Teflon and PFAS

Does Teflon contain PFAS?

Teflon consists of PTFE, which belongs to the PFAS group. It is important to distinguish between the registered brand name, the material and the chemical substance group.

Chemical classification

Teflon is a brand name owned by Chemours (formerly DuPont). The material itself is the plastic PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

Chemically, PTFE belongs to the group of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). However, fluoropolymers occupy a special position within this family of substances. They are high-molecular, insoluble in water and extremely chemically stable. This distinguishes them clearly from low-molecular PFAS such as PFOA or PFOS, which are the focus of drinking water and environmental regulations.

Production and auxiliary materials used

In the past, PFOA and similar PFAS were used as polymerisation aids in the production of PTFE. These substances are now largely banned in the EU. Modern manufacturing processes do not use PFOA and instead use either alternative fluorinated additives or other process chemicals. Nevertheless, the end product PTFE itself remains formally a PFAS due to its chemical structure, even though its toxicological behaviour differs from that of many other representatives of this group of substances.

Regulatory and technical status (situation in 2026)

Fluoropolymers such as PTFE are also the focus of the European debate on far-reaching PFAS regulation. At the same time, it is recognised that they differ significantly from other PFAS in terms of their properties, risks and applications. Accordingly, exemptions, transition periods and application-specific assessments are being discussed. When used properly, PTFE is considered chemically inert and harmless to health. The material only becomes critical when severely overheated (above approx. 360 °C), at which point decomposition products can be released.

The central challenge is therefore less about its use and more about the:  

• environmental impact during production,  
• extreme persistence and  
• disposal of fluorinated polymers.

Here you can find our PFAS removal solutions.