PFAS-FREE PRODUCTS
UNOQUIP products are completely free of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
UNOQUIP products are free of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
At UNOQUIP, we are committed to providing high-quality, safe, and environmentally responsible single-use medical devices.
As part of this commitment, we offer products that are completely free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—harmful chemicals that have been recognized as a serious health and environmental concern.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a diverse group of thousands of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products for decades. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily, accumulating in the environment and the human body over time.
Initially valued for their durability and resistance to water, stains, and heat, PFAS have been widely used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, firefighting foams, and medical devices. 1 However, as scientific research has progressed, the potential health risks of these chemicals have become increasingly evident.
Why Are PFAS Harmful to Health and the Environment?
Studies and environmental testing in recent years have confirmed the risks they pose to human health and ecosystems. The growing body of scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to several serious health issues, including:
- Cancer: Long-term exposure to certain PFAS chemicals has been linked to an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers.3
- Hormonal Disruption: PFAS interfere with the body’s endocrine system, potentially affecting thyroid function, immune response, and reproductive health.4
- Liver Damage: Studies indicate that PFAS exposure can impact liver function, leading to metabolic disorders and long-term organ damage.5
- Immune System Suppression: PFAS have been shown to weaken immune response, making the body more vulnerable to infections.6
- Developmental Harm: Exposure during pregnancy or early childhood may contribute to developmental delays, low birth weight, and learning difficulties.7
- Environmental Contamination: PFAS persist in soil, water, and wildlife, leading to long-term pollution and bioaccumulation in the food chain.8
Where Are PFAS Found?
PFAS are found in a wide variety of consumer goods and industrial applications. They are used in products where water- and oil-resistance are necessary, such as: Non-stick cookware, waterproof and stain-resistant textiles, food packaging, firefighting foams, cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning products.1,2
PFAS have also been used in certain medical devices, particularly in products designed for fluid resistance and durability, such as surgical drapes, wound dressings, catheters, and infusion sets.9 While these applications were originally intended to enhance product performance, increasing awareness of the health risks associated with PFAS has led to a push for PFAS-free alternatives.
Our Commitment to PFAS-Free Medical Devices
At UNOQUIP, we offer single-use medical devices that are completely PFAS-free. Our products meet the highest safety standards, ensuring protection for both patients and healthcare professionals. This commitment is part of our ongoing effort to provide safer, sustainable medical solutions while prioritizing health and the environment.
References:1 European Chemicals Agency. (n.d.). Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS). Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas; 2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Our current understanding of human health and environmental risks of PFAS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas; 3 National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). PFAS exposure and risk of cancer. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/pfas; 4 Coperchini, F., Croce, L., Ricci, G., Magri, F., Rotondi, M., Imbriani, M., & Chiovato, L. (2021, January 19). Thyroid Disrupting Effects of Old and New Generation PFAS. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 612320. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.612320; 5 Vujic, E., Ferguson, S. S., & Brouwer, K. L. R. (2024). Effects of PFAS on human liver transporters: Implications for health outcomes. Toxicological Sciences, 200(2), 213–227. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfae061 ; 6 6 Beans, C. (2021, April 8). How "forever chemicals" might impair the immune system: Researchers are exploring whether these ubiquitous fluorinated molecules might worsen infections or hamper vaccine effectiveness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(15), e2105018118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.210501811; 7 Environmental Working Group. (2023, July). Study: Exposure to toxic 'forever chemicals' during pregnancy increases odds of low birth weight and obesity in children. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/07/study-exposure-toxic-forever-chemicals-during-pregnancy-increases-odds; 8 Muir, D. C. G., & Diepens, N. J. (2020). PFAS exposure pathways for humans and wildlife. Environmental Health Perspectives, 128(10), 105005. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6959; 9 Badea, M., Bartos, C., & Toma, F. (2020). The environmental impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 72, 103317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2020.103317.