Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFASs)

1. What are Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS)?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS' lar) is a large class of thousands of synthetic chemicals commonly used and found in the environment that contain the strongest carbon-fluorine bonds in organic chemistry. They resist degradation in the environment due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Most PFASs can be easily migrated to environments covering great distances from the emission source.

The best known PFASs
- perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS)
- perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- perfluoroonanoic acid (PFNA)
- perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)

2. What are the Effects of Perfluroalkyl Chemicals (PFAS's) on Environmental Pollution?

The studies carried out PFAS's especially groundwater, shows that it pollutes surface waters and soil. Cleaning up areas contaminated by PFASs is technically difficult and costly. If precautions are not taken for releases, PFAS accumulations will continue in the environment, drinking water and food.

3. What Are the Concerns for Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFASs)?

All PFASs are persistent in the environment. As it is known, it stays in the environment longer than man-made materials. As PFASs continue to be released into the environment, humans will be exposed to higher concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFASs). Known for some PFASs can be listed as follows:

- Their release and mobility in water and air cause environmental pollution that is difficult and costly to prevent.
- Toxic to reproduction. May harm fetal development.
- May cause cancer in humans.
- It is suspected that the endocrine (hormonal) system is interfered with.

4. Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFASs) What Are The Sources Of Release To The Environment?

PFASs, directly or indirectly It is released into the environment from industrial facilities where PFAS is used, consumer products such as cosmetics and textiles, and food contact products. PFASs are used to prevent food from sticking to packages, cookware, to make products such as clothes and carpets stain-proof, or to produce effective fire-fighting foam.

The Commission Regulation (EU) No 2022/2388 on maximum perfluoroalkyl substance levels in certain foodstuffs has been recently published on PFASs . The regulation, which will be effective as of January 1, 2023, includes “fruits, vegetables, starchy roots and tubers, seaweed, grains, nuts, oil seeds, foods for infants and young children, animal foods, soft drinks, wine and beer”. It was stated that the presence of PFASs (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS) should be monitored.

As Nanolab Laboratories Group, we continue to support you on PFASs such as PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS. Click to contact us.