PFAS Research & Studies
PFAS studies produced by Global PFAS Science Panel have shaped the EU PFAS regulations and influenced regulatory processes at the US state level.
The Global PFAS Science Panel is a collaborative partnership among academic researchers, regulatory scientists and policy analysts dedicated to enhancing understanding of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and to protecting human and environmental health from potentially adverse effects associated with PFAS through better informed decision-making.
The Concept of PFAS Essential Use
Cousins, I. T.; Goldenman, G.; Herzke, D.; Lohmann, R.; Miller, M.; Ng, C. A.; Scheringer, M.; Trier, X.; Vierke, L.; Wang, Z.; DeWitt, J. C. The Concept of Essential Use for Determining When Uses of PFASs Can Be Phased Out. Environ. Sci. Process. Impacts 2019, 21, 1803, DOI: 10.1039/C9EM00163H [Crossref], [PubMed], [CAS], Google Scholar
To determine when uses of PFASs have an essential function in modern society, and when they do not, is not an easy task. Here, we: (1) develop the concept of “essential use” based on an existing approach described in the Montreal Protocol, (2) apply the concept to various uses of PFASs to determine the feasibility of elimination or substitution of PFASs in each use category, and (3) outline the challenges for phasing out uses of PFASs in society.
Strategies for grouping per- and polfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to protect human and environmental health
PFAS comprise more than 4700 individual substances that are used in many, highly diverse applications in society. All PFAS are very persistent (if PFAS with persistent transformation products are considered as persistent substances, as is the case under REACH) and several PFAS are also known to be bioaccumulative and toxic. However, for most PFAS there are insufficient data to facilitate chemical assessments. Generating these missing data on a chemical-by-chemical basis is too resource intensive and it is therefore essential to identify groups of similar PFAS that can be assessed together. Here we discuss various grouping approaches and their advantages and limitations. The structural diversity of PFAS poses a challenge to grouping. However, some kind of grouping approach, or a combination of several different approaches, will be needed for the future assessment and management of PFAS.
Are Fluoropolymers Really of Low Concern for Human and Environmental Health and Separate from Other PFAS?
Are fluoropolymers really of low concern for human and environmental health and separate from other PFAS?, by Rainer Lohmann, Ian T. Cousins, Jamie C. DeWitt, Juliane Glüge, Gretta Goldenman, Dorte Herzke, Andrew B. Lindstrom, Mark F. Miller, Carla A. Ng, Martin Scheringer, Xenia Trier, Zhanyun Wang. Environmental Science & Technology (2020)
The evidence reviewed in this analysis does not find a scientific rationale for concluding that fluoropolymers are of low concern for environmental and human health. Given fluoropolymers’ extreme persistence; emissions associated with their production, use, and disposal; and a high likelihood for human exposure to PFAS, their production and uses should be curtailed except in cases of essential uses.
An overview of the uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Juliane Glüge, Martin Scheringer, Gretta Goldenman, Dorte Herzke, Ian T. Cousins, Rainer Lohmann, Xenia Trieri and Zhanyun Wangj, Jamie C. DeWitt, Carla A. Ng
ARTICLES
What are PFAS?
Per— and Polyfluorinated Substances - PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Fluoropolymer coatings can be used in such varied products as clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire. Many chemicals in this group, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been a concern because they do not break down in the environment, can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources, and they build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife. PFAS have been found in rivers and lakes and in many types of animals on land and in the water.