PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of thousands of synthetic chemicals used throughout industry. They contain carbon-fluorine bonds, which are very strong chemical bonds. Because of this, they are highly stable and can remain intact in the environment for long periods of time. Many PFAS can diffuse long distances from the source of release.

They are widely used because of their useful properties. For example, they are stable under intense heat. Many are also surfactants and are used, for example, as water and oil repellents. Because of these properties, they are widely used in non-stick coatings on kitchen utensils, rubber, silicone and paper and cardboard used in bakeries, fast food containers, bread, sugar and fatty food packaging.

Despite these properties, some PFASs are known to accumulate and cause toxic effects in humans, animals and plants. Some PFAS are reproductively toxic and can harm fetal development. Several PFAS can cause cancer in humans. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS may cause adverse effects on serum cholesterol, liver, immune system and birth weight. Maximum levels for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS are therefore set through Regulation (EU) No 2022/2388 of December 7, 2022.

What are the Uses of PFAS?

PFAS has found a wide range of applications:

Textile and Fabric Coating: Water and stain resistant fabrics, outdoor clothing, carpets and upholstery fabrics.
Food Packaging: Oil and waterproof coatings, microwave popcorn bags and fast-food packaging.
Fire Extinguishing Foams: Effective in fighting petroleum and chemical fires.
Electronic and Industrial Applications: Insulation materials, semiconductor production.
Medical Applications: Implant materials and some surgical instruments.

Risks of PFAS

1. Environmental Risks

Persistence: PFAS compounds do not degrade in the natural environment and can leach into groundwater, rivers and seas.
Bioaccumulation: Accumulate in fish and other organisms, upsetting ecosystem balance.

2. Impacts on Human Health

Cancer: There is evidence that long-term exposure increases the risk of kidney and testicular cancer.
Hormone Disorders: PFAS compounds can have adverse effects on the endocrine system.
Immune System: May reduce resistance to infections by weakening immune responses.
Reproductive Health: Associated with infertility, low-weight births and other reproductive problems.