What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe, including in the United States since the 1940s. PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. Both chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects. This is a concern in fire and emergency services because fluorine based Class B foams contain PFAS.

What are VOCS?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.

Why We Care?

Protecting our waterways, even with the smallest marginal gain can have a huge impact for the future of our planet. When most riders hear about a “green” lubricant, it’s implied that the effectiveness of the lubricant does not meet performance standards or falls short of that mark. But all SILCA lubricants have ‘safe for the environment’ ingredients that outperform most lubricants on the market.

Reducing the wear and friction for your entire drive train, chain and the typically high friction components will decrease the number of these components being sent for scrap and allows you to protect your investment. The cost of lubricant versus the replacement cost of these parts is something to consider.