Supporting public health, US-based retail company Lowe’s has banned the sale of fabric protectors that contain toxic PFAS chemicals in its stores.
It is pertinent to mention here PFAS chemicals (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of thousands of man-made chemicals often used to confer increased resistance to oil, water and dirt. These chemicals have contaminated the air, soil, water, plants and wildlife, and endangered health.
PFAS are linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer and developmental issues, and can be harmful at extremely low doses. They can impact the immune system and these health impacts and others could make us more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Many companies across globe are following safer chemicals’ policy. And the step taken by Lowe’s is also a part of this policy.
Lowe’s added a commitment that “all fabric protection sprays are free of PFAS chemicals.” The commitment follows a company pledge in 2019 to stop the sale of all indoor residential carpets and rugs treated with these toxic chemicals.
Expert believes that the company should remove PFAS from all remaining product categories where these forever chemicals are still used, and ensure any replacements are safer.
Other retailers like The Home Depot should also join Lowe’s in banning PFAS in these and other products.
It is worth mentioning here that 3M—the manufacturer of Scotchgard-branded aerosol fabric protector cans – stopped selling Scotchgard branded aerosol cans with PFAS as of June 2020.
PFAS in fabric sprays pose a significant threat to public health, especially to small children.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
