5 Reasons Why You Don’t Need to Worry About PFAS in Galvanized Steel
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You may have heard of PFAS, which are also referred to as “forever chemicals.” They’ve earned this nickname because they don’t naturally break down, which makes it very difficult to recycle them. PFAS are found in a variety of products—including cookware.
But are PFAS in galvanized steel? We explore the science behind these principles, and assure you that you don’t have to worry about PFAS when you’re working with galvanized steel products.
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What Are PFAS and Why Are They Considered Harmful?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. In short, these are synthetic chemicals that are useful for water, oil and heat resistance. You’ll find them in everything from nonstick cookware to firefighting foams.
Studies have shown that PFAS can have harmful effects, including:
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Decreased fertility
- Elevated blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
- Developmental delays in children
- Low birth weight
- Compromised immune systems
It’s important to note that PFAS are typically associated with fluorinated chemical processes—not processes related to zinc, steel or galvanizing.
Are There PFAS in Galvanized Steel? 5 Reasons Not to Worry
There are no PFAS in galvanized steel. We’ll review the science behind this statement, outlining five reasons you have no need to be concerned when you’re working with the hot-dip galvanized process.
1. The Galvanizing Process Contains Zero PFAS
The hot-dip galvanizing process only utilizes zinc and heat. This means there are no fluoropolymers, no PFA‑based additives, no chemical films.
2. PFAS Cannot Survive the Temperatures Used in Galvanizing
The galvanizing process utilizes temperatures of ~840°F (449°C). These high temperatures would destroy PFAS if they were present because PFAS degrade at far lower temperatures, so they cannot exist in the final galvanized project.
3. Galvanized Steel Is Approved for Sensitive Applications
PFAS cannot be used in systems for drinking water, agriculture, or anything involved in processing food. It’s required that materials for these industries must be free from harmful residues.
Galvanized steel is used in many of these industries, which demonstrates that it is a safe, effective and reliable solution.
4. You Can Paint or Powder‑Coat Galvanized Steel Without Introducing PFAS
But what about painting and powder coating?
Fortunately, PFAS aren’t found in standard primers and paints that are used with galvanized steel. This is because when you properly prepare the surface, you don’t need chemical additives.
In addition, powder coatings typically utilize materials like polyester or epoxy, so they do not have fluorinated chemicals like PFAS
5. PFAS Are Associated With Fluorinated Coatings, Not Metal Finishes
Because metal coatings don’t depend upon fluorinated chemistry, there are no PFAS. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about these forever chemicals showing up in any galvanized steel products.
For Safe, Effective Galvanized Steel, South Atlantic Has You Covered
Hot-dip galvanizing is not only effective for corrosion protection, but galvanized steel is also free from dangerous PFA “forever chemicals” that have negative effects on the environment and on your health.
When you partner with South Atlantic, you’’ll experience on-time delivery and upfront pricing, you won’t have to worry about missed deadlines or unpleasant surprises. Contact us today to request a quote.
Key Takeaways
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic “forever chemicals” linked to serious health risks including cancer, fertility issues, and developmental delays.
- Galvanized steel contains zero PFAS because the hot-dip galvanizing process uses only zinc and heat, with no fluoropolymers or fluorinated additives.
- The extreme heat of the galvanizing process (~840°F) would destroy any PFAS even if they were somehow introduced.
- Galvanized steel is approved for use in sensitive applications like drinking water systems, agriculture, and food processing, confirming its safety.
- Standard paints, primers, and powder coatings used on galvanized steel do not contain PFAS, as they rely on polyester or epoxy rather than fluorinated chemistry.
- PFAS are fundamentally tied to fluorinated chemical processes, which are unrelated to zinc, steel, or galvanizing.
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Sources:
American Galvanizers Association, “Does HDG Contain Forever Chemicals?” https://galvanizeit.org/knowledgebase/article/does-hdg-contain-PFAS-or-forever-chemicals
Environmental Protection Agency, “Our Current Understanding of Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS,” https://www.epa.gov/PFAS/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-PFAS
