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Weathered outdoor gear sheds PFAS into the environment

Six months on a Sydney rooftop cut total fluorine in DWR fabrics and raised residual PFAAs up to 100-fold, showing outdoor textiles as PFAS sources.

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Where and how long were the textiles weathered?

On a Sydney rooftop for 3 months (spring) and 6 months (spring+summer).

What finishes were compared?

C4F9, C6F13, and C8F17 side-chain fluoropolymer DWR treatments on polyamide.

How much total fluorine remained after 6 months?

Losses of 4%, 26%, and 52% for C6, C8, and C4 finishes.

What extra loss came from abrasion and washing?

Total fluorine then down 20%, 47%, and 71% versus unexposed cloth.

What happened to PFAA concentrations on weathered SFP fabrics?

They rose up to 100-fold versus unexposed controls.

How much did PFDoDA increase?

From 2 ± 0.8 ppb to 834 ± 87 ppb after 6 months.

Did untreated fabric pick up PFAS from urban air?

No PFAAs were observed on untreated cloth after 6 months.

What did spiked PFAA controls show about rain?

74–92% of added PFOA, PFHxA, and PFBS were lost after 6 months.

Why is remaining-fabric PFAA an underestimate of emissions?

Because water-soluble PFAAs wash off in rain after they form.

What post-weathering stresses mimicked use?

Martindale abrasion then one 40°C domestic wash.

How do the authors frame 6 months in Sydney?

A worst-case user scenario because of high UV and hot roof temperatures.