Per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are man-made chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. They are part of a broader class of synthetic chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds. PFCs have been widely used in outdoor products due to their unique properties, such as water repellency.

PFCs are highly persistent synthetic chemicals that do not easily break down, accumulating in soil, water, and wildlife. They can bioaccumulate in living organisms, including humans, as they are ingested through food and water. Certain PFCs have been linked to potential health risks, such as carcinogenicity and effects on the immune and reproductive systems. PFCs have been found in various environmental sources, including drinking water, raising concerns about their presence in the human food chain. 

Typically, PFCs are described based on the number of carbon atoms in their chemical structure, which can vary and generally is greater than zero — such as C6 and C6. Scandinavian Edition uses a C0 100% PFC-Free DWR treatment on our jackets.