PFOS

abbreviation or noun

: a fluorinated sulfonic acid C8HF17O3S that is a member of the PFAS group and that has been used especially for its water and stain resistance (as in carpeting and food packaging) and as a surfactant (as in firefighting foam and alkaline cleaners) : perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
By 2002, the primary U.S. manufacturer of PFOS had voluntarily phased out its production because it was found in human populations and in wildlife.National Association for Surface Finishing
In addition, private parties that clean up releases of PFOS and PFOA could now recover cleanup costs from potentially responsible parties.Stephanie Salmon

called also perfluorooctane sulfonate

Examples of PFOS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For two chemicals, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), the Agency's ideal contamination level is zero. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 10 Apr. 2024 The Environmental Protection Agency finalized an enforceable 4 parts per trillion (ppt) limit on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 11 Apr. 2024 The participants in Lindhardt’s study had high levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in their blood due to eating meat from cattle that fed in grassy areas where firefighters tested PFAS-containing foam. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024 Advertisement The Environmental Protection Agency plans to begin regulating several types of PFAS chemicals in drinking water and has proposed a strict limit of 4 parts per trillion for the chemicals perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2023 The Environmental Protection Agency plans to begin regulating several types of PFAS chemicals in drinking water and has proposed a strict limit of 4 parts per trillion for the chemicals perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of PFOS was in 2002

Dictionary Entries Near PFOS

Cite this Entry

“PFOS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PFOS. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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