Scotchgard facts for kids

Scotchgard is a special brand of products made by the company 3M. These products are used to protect things like fabric, furniture, and carpets from stains and water. Think of it like an invisible shield! Scotchgard usually works because it contains certain chemicals called organofluorines. These chemicals help liquids bead up and roll off surfaces, preventing stains.

How Scotchgard Was Invented

The idea for Scotchgard was discovered by accident in 1952. Two chemists at 3M, Patsy Sherman and Samuel Smith, were working on something else when they noticed something interesting. Patsy Sherman is especially known for her work on Scotchgard, holding many patents for it.

The first Scotchgard products started being sold in 1956. Later, in 1973, Patsy and Samuel received a patent for their invention.

An older chemical used in Scotchgard, which was later changed to a different one.

Over time, 3M changed the way Scotchgard was made. By June 2003, they started using a different chemical called PFBS instead of an older one called PFOS. PFBS stays in people's bodies for a much shorter time, which is a good thing. Today, Scotchgard uses a special type of fluorinated urethane to create its protective barrier.

Caring for Our Environment

In 1999, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started looking into the chemicals used in Scotchgard. They learned that one of the main ingredients, PFOS, was found all over the world and could be harmful.

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

Later, in 2018, 3M agreed to pay the state of Minnesota $850 million. This was to help clean up drinking water that had been affected by some of these chemicals. This shows how companies sometimes need to change their products to protect the environment and people's health.

See also

• Fluorocarbon
• Fluorosurfactant