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
National Association for Surface FinishingIn addition, private parties that clean up releases of PFOS and PFOA could now recover cleanup costs from potentially responsible parties.—Stephanie Salmon
Stephanie Salmoncalled also perfluorooctane sulfonate
Examples of PFOS in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
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
Dictionary Entries Near PFOS
Cite this Entry
“PFOS.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PFOS. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share