Fate of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Durable Water-Repellent Clothing during Use

To make outdoor clothing water- or dirt-repellent,durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings based on side-chainfluorinated polymers (SFPs) are used. During use of outdoorclothing, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can beemitted from the DWR to the environment. In this study, theeffects of aging, washing, and tumble drying on the concentrationof extractable PFASs in the DWR of perfluorohexane-based short-chain SFPs (FC-6 chemistry) and of perfluorooctane-based long-chain SFPs (FC-8 chemistry) were assessed. For this purpose,polyamide (PA) and polyester (PES) fabrics were coated with FC-6- and FC-8-based DWRs. Results show that aging of the coatedfabrics causes an increase in concentration and formation ofperfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). The effect of aging on the volatilePFASs depends on the type of fabric. Washing causes a decrease in PFAA concentrations, and in general, volatile PFASs are partlywashed out of the textiles. However, washing can also increase the extractable concentration of volatile PFASs in the fabrics. Thiseffect becomes stronger by a combination of aging and washing. Tumble drying does not affect the PFAS concentrations in textiles.In conclusion, aging and washing of fabrics coated with the DWR based on SFPs release PFASs to the environment.

Automated summary

This study assessed the effects of aging, washing, and tumble drying on the concentration of PFASs in DWR coatings on outdoor clothing. The results showed that aging increased PFAS concentration and formation, while washing decreased PFAA concentrations and partly washed out volatile PFASs from the textiles. Tumble drying did not affect PFAS concentrations in textiles.