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Is the environmental / health concern with these waterproofing materials primarily located at the production side of or the end consumer / product level? Obviously its both as the chemicals don't never go away but my question is mainly related to if there is are any specific ways that people ought to be handling old waterproof jackets / various materials?
jmg412-
My understanding - and I’m not a chemical expert - is that the hazardous compounds are byproducts of creating the treatments (but tests have shown varying amounts contaminating the final waterproofing)
Example of the ‘safe’ nature on consumer side might be Teflon coating on pans ….but then again, it depends who you talk to or what site you read up on these things!
Chopsicle
'Breathable' waterproofing is still workable, absolutely, just will never be as effective and durable as the (now phased out) C6, C8 DWR's and (now being discussed) PFOA-based membranes.
I think a few years back Patagonia have invested a significant amount into next-gen DWRs/waterproofing tech.
edit; my age is showing, 7 yrs ago
https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/stories/our-dwr-problem-updated/story-17673.html