Kaiser Permanente Announces Ban of PFCs From Building Projects

Exciting news in the health care industry as Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest U.S. health care providers, has banned the use of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (often referred to as PFCs or PFASs) in furniture, finishes, and other building materials in new construction and remodeling projects. Rather than look toward alternative chemicals to replace PFASs, the health system has worked with vendors to identify new materials that can provide the same benefits, such as wipability and stain resistance, without the addition of chemicals of concern.

Taking effect in the start of 2016, the ban applies to both long-chain and new generation short-chain PFASs which have both been shown to have harmful environmental and health implications.

The Safer Chemicals Healthy Interiors Goal of Healthier Hospitals also has prioritized PFASs for elimination. Furniture and furnishings must not contain PFASs in order to meet the goal.  Purchasers interested in finding lists of products that do not contain PFASs can find them on the Healthier Hospitals website. If your facility is interested in adopting the Healthy Interiors goal, or if you would like more information, please contact us.

Health Care Without Harm applauds Kaiser Permanente for their bold step towards creating safer communities and supporting a healing environment for staff, patients, and visitors!

[Source: Chemical Watch]