Protecting America requires military equipment that performs flawlessly. PFAS, a group of heat-resistant fluorochemistries, are critical to this mission. According to the Department of Defense (DoD) report last year, PFAS are used “in almost every major weapon category,” including aircraft, missiles, and radar systems, making them indispensable for national defense.

Yet, access to PFAS is at risk due to overly broad regulations. While the NC Chamber supports cleaning up PFAS in the environment, banning these substances or imposing regulations not based on sound science could harm defense readiness. The Pentagon has warned that losing PFAS could jeopardize national security and disrupt supply chains.

Key types of PFAS, like F-gases and fluoropolymers, are vital for military applications:

• F-gases: Used for thermal management in electronics, preservation of medical treatments, and defense fluids. Their superior environmental properties also help combat global warming.
• Fluoropolymers: Essential for high-performance uses, including munitions manufacturing, missile systems, and semiconductor fabrication, with no alternatives available.

Broad bans on PFAS would hinder the DoD’s supply chain, increase costs, and create reliance on foreign suppliers for critical technologies—undermining national security and economic stability.

Click here to learn more about PFAS from the Department of Defense.