Scotchgard facts for kids

Scotchgard is a special product made by a company called 3M. It's like an invisible shield for things like clothes, furniture, and carpets. It helps protect them from getting stained or wet. Scotchgard products usually contain special chemicals that make fabrics resistant to spills.

History

How Scotchgard Was Discovered

The story of Scotchgard began by accident in 1953. A scientist named Joan Mullan was working in a 3M lab. She was testing a new liquid for jet fuel hoses. She accidentally spilled some of this liquid on her tennis shoes. Even after trying to clean them many times, the spot on her shoes would not get dirty or wet.

Two other 3M chemists, Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith, saw this amazing quality. They continued to study these special chemicals. Their work led to products that could treat most fabrics. This made the fabrics resistant to stains. Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith together hold 13 patents for their discoveries. However, Patsy Sherman is often given credit for finding out what Scotchgard could do.

Sales of Scotchgard began in 1956. In 1973, Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith received a patent for their special formula.

This image shows an older chemical used in Scotchgard. It has since been replaced with a safer one.

Changes to Scotchgard's Formula

Over time, 3M changed the chemicals used in Scotchgard. By June 2003, they stopped using a chemical called PFOS. They replaced it with a new one called PFBS. PFBS is much safer because it stays in people's bodies for a shorter time. Today, 3M says Scotchgard uses a special type of chemical called a fluorinated urethane.

Environmental Concerns

Protecting Our Environment

In 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started looking into the chemicals used in Scotchgard. They learned that a main ingredient, PFOS, could spread around the world and might be harmful. Another chemical, PFOSA, was also a key part of Scotchgard.

Because of the EPA's concerns, 3M announced in May 2000 that they would stop making products with PFOA and PFOS. In May 2009, PFOS was named a "persistent organic pollutant" (POP) by the Stockholm Convention. This means it stays in the environment for a very long time.

In 2018, 3M agreed to pay the state of Minnesota $850 million. This was to settle a lawsuit about drinking water that had been contaminated. The water had been affected by PFOA and other similar chemicals from 3M's products.

See also

• Fluorocarbon
• Fluorosurfactant