Perfluorooctane Sulfonates, with abbreviation as “PFOS”, is the universally acknowledged durable organic contaminant with its good performances in heat-resistance, environmental destruction, water-tolerance and anti-grease. Due to Perfluorochemicals can accumulate in the adipose tissue of the organism, therefore, a long-term contact to the Perfluorochemicals will cause negative effect on the immune system of human being, and may destroy the functions of thyroid; especially contact to the Perfluorochemicals in pregnant period will lead to many problems of fetal development and bring defect to the infant. More than that, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers that cancerigenic PFOS and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) as well as occupational contact to PFOS are relevant to the increasing incidence rate of carcinoma of urinary bladder.

PFOS and relevant Perfluoro compounds (PFCS) exist by means of anion in salt, derivative and polymer; they are used in three application areas chiefly:
[A] For surface treatment
Used as a surface treatment agent, PFOS can enhance the personal clothing, family decoration and automobile internal decoration in anti-pollution, anti-grease and waterproof;
[B] For paper protection
Used as a forming part of slurry to protect paper, PFOS can enhance paper and cardboard in anti-grease and waterproof;
[C] For special performance chemicals
This species include all kinds of finalized PFOS salts that being traded as end products.

Due to its popular application, PFOS is involved in many raw materials e.g. textile, leather and PU, handbag, carton, gift box, printing products, electroplated products, painting and ink used for surface treatment, as well as the other chemical coatings, Teflon materials, etc. 

On December 27th, 2006, the European Parliament and European Commission released a joint announcement on Directive of Restrictions on the Marketing and Use of Perfluorooctane Sulfonates (2006/122/EC). This Directive was a final revision to the former act The Harmonization of the Member States Relating to Restrictions on the Marketing and Use of Hazardous Materials and Products against the Laws and Regulations and Regulations of the Directive (76/769/EEC) which was also composed by the European Parliament, and all member states should implement the Directive as their national laws within the time of 18 months (namely by June 27th, 2008).