- š” Did you know your shoe care spray might contain chemicals that donāt break down in nature for over 1,000 years?
ā What are PFAS, PFOA, and PFCs ā and why are they called āforever chemicalsā?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), including PFOA and PFCs, are synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s to make products water-, stain-, and grease-resistant ā like shoes, tents, outdoor jackets, and protective sprays.
The problem? PFAS donāt degrade naturally, they accumulate in the human body and ecosystems, and are linked to serious health risks:
- š” Hormonal disruption
- š¼ Fertility and developmental problems
- š” Weakened immune function
- š Increased risk of cancers (e.g. kidney and testicular)
š Sources:
- OECD ā PFAS in the Environment
- EPA ā Health Effects of PFAS
- ECHA ā PFAS Restriction Proposals
- WHO ā PFOA and PFOS Factsheet
ā How do PFAS end up in our everyday livesāespecially through care products?
Youāll often find PFAS in:
- Waterproofing aerosol sprays
- Shoe and outdoor gear care products with āprotective coatingsā
- Water-resistant clothing, non-stick pans, cosmetics, and even food packaging
These substances can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or persist in indoor air and water.
š A 2020 study found that 38% of tested consumer products contained PFAS, including shoe sprays and fabric protectants.
Source:Ā Green Science Policy Institute ā PFAS in Consumer Products
ā Why are aerosol-based products especially problematic?
In addition to PFAS, many sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to:
- š¬ Air pollution
- š®šØ Respiratory irritation
- š§ Waste and packaging problems (metal canisters, propellants)
PFAS + Aerosols = A particularly toxic combination.
š Source: Green Science Policy Institute ā PFAS in Sprays
ā How can you reduce your exposure to PFAS?
Hereās what you can do:
ā
Check product labels ā avoid anything listing PFAS, PFOA, or PFC
š« Ditch aerosol sprays
šæ Choose natural, biodegradable, water-based alternatives
š¢ Raise awareness ā small choices have big impacts
š EPA ā Steps to Reduce Your Risk
ā What are safe PFAS-free alternatives for shoe care?
Topi Natural offers a safer, smarter choice: handcrafted, PFAS-, PFOA-, and aerosol-free care products made in Estonia using biodegradable natural ingredients.
ā Why Topi Natural?
- Water-based and breathable
- Odorless, colorless, and 98.3% natural
- Safe for people and planet
- Made in Estonia using traditional small-batch methods
š¹ Featured Product: Natural Repel
A water- and dirt-repellent spray that is:
- Completely PFAS/PFOA/PFC-free
- Biodegradable and non-toxic
- Suitable for most materials (leather, suede, textile, canvas)