Section 1: Electroplaters of metals or plastics, metal finishers, circuit board manufacturers
PFAS-containing chemicals, specifically those containing perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS) were used by electroplaters as a demister/defoamer/surfactant to control air emissions of hexavalent chromium beginning in the mid-1990s. While hard chrome and decorative chrome platers using hexavalent chrome are the most likely sources, PFAS have also been found in wetting agents and other plating chemicals containing other metals and plastics. Even if used many years ago, PFAS-containing chemicals may persist in plating tanks, etch tanks, sumps, air emission control systems and secondary containment pits. Some chemicals identified as PFOS-free may still contain PFAS. We are still learning about the behavior of these chemicals, and there are concerns that chemical changes may occur in plating and etch baths. Platers in Michigan and Minnesota were found to have PFOS contamination in their wastewater years after they discontinued use of
PFOS-containing chemicals.
Please summarize the plating activities over the past 20 years if reasonably possible. Otherwise, please summarize plating activities over as many years as reasonably possible and indicate the years.
Please provide the SDS/MSDS sheets for these chemicals.
Please provide the SDS/MSDS sheets for these chemicals and a schematic or flow diagram that shows where each chemical is used.
Please upload the SDS/MSDS sheets for these chemicals and a description of where they are used in your process.
In answering this question, please review your activities over the last 20 years if reasonably possible. Otherwise, please review your activities for as many past years as reasonably possible and indicate the number of years reviewed. Discuss the treatments used, time periods, percentage products treated, types of products treated or number of lines
Please provide the SDS/MSDS sheets for thse chemicals.
