Fluoro-organic chemicals such as perfluoro-octane sulfonate (C₈F₁₇SO₃H)(PFOS), have been used since the 1950s in soil- and stain-resistant coatings for fabrics, carpets, and leather (2.4 million lb [1 millionkg] in 2000), as well as in oil- and grease-resistant coatings for paper products (about 2.7 million lb [1.2 million kg]in 2000). Though PFOS is mostly applied to products in textile mills, leather tanneries, finishers, and carpet manufacturing facilities, the use of Scotchgard fabric protector also allows for the use of PFOS by the consumer. Additional uses of PFOS and related compounds in specialized industrial applications (1.5 millions lb [680,000 kg] in 2000) include fire-fighting foams, mining and oil well surfactants, acid mist suppressants for metal plating and electronic etching baths, alkaline cleaners, floor polishes, photographic film, denture cleaners, and shampoos, and ant insecti cide.

In May 2000, 3M Corporation announced that, by 2002, it would phase out a group of perfluorinated chemicals, including PFOS...