PFAS: Impact and Regulations of "Forever Chemicals"
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemical compounds that have generated increasing global concern. This is due to their persistence in the environment and their potential adverse effects on human health.
PFAS encompass more than 4,700 chemical compounds that were first developed in the 1950s. Their use has spread across various industries due to unique properties such as heat resistance, water and grease repellency, and their function as surfactants. These characteristics have facilitated their application in sectors ranging from food processing to the textile industry and the manufacturing of sanitary materials.
Main Applications
Its presence is found in numerous areas, which has raised significant concerns about its impact on human health and the environment.
These compounds are used in food contact materials such as packaging and utensils, raising questions about the possible migration of these substances into food.
In the textile and leather industry, PFAS are applied to impart water repellency and stain resistance properties. However, the durability of these compounds means that they can persist in the environment for long periods, contaminating soil and water. This is especially concerning given that textiles containing PFAS can release these substances into the environment throughout their life cycle.
Construction also uses PFAS in various materials, increasing the likelihood of these substances being released into the environment.
Similarly, in cleaning products and electronics, PFAS can come into contact with water and other resources, dispersing and accumulating in aquatic ecosystems.
PFAS are known for their use in firefighting foams, which are difficult to remove once they enter the environment. These foams have been shown to contaminate drinking water sources, leading to concerns about communities' exposure to these harmful chemicals.
In the field of food processing, PFAS help minimize the adhesion of products to surfaces, but their use in this context raises questions about the safety of the food we consume.
In the healthcare sector, although they are used in certain materials, there is a growing debate about the risk they represent for patients and healthcare professionals.
Applications in the aerospace and defense sectors, as well as automotive, have increased public concern about PFAS exposure at the industrial level.
Additionally, these compounds are present in everyday products, such as pesticides, paints, stain-resistant utensils, non-stick pans, shampoos and fast food containers.
How Does This Exposure Occur?
Exposure to PFAS comes from various sources, including:
- Food and Drinking Water: Diet is the primary route of exposure for many people. PFAS enter food through contaminated soils and waters, bioaccumulation in animals, the use of packaging containing these substances, and through processing equipment that has employed them.
- Commercial Household Products: They are found in items such as stain-resistant fabrics, non-stick cookware, polishing products, waxes, food packaging, paints, and cleaning products.
- Workplaces: Exposure also occurs in factories or industries that use PFAS. A notable case is firefighting foams that contain PFAS, which have been recommended for extinguishing fires caused by liquid fuels. Recent research has begun to document the contamination of waters and soils in areas where these foams have been used.
The persistence of PFAS in the environment has raised concerns about their accumulation and long-term effects on ecosystems.
Chemical Characteristics of PFAS
From a chemical standpoint, PFAS are recognized for their carbon-fluorine bonds, which are considered the strongest in organic chemistry. This bond gives PFAS remarkable resistance and stability, contributing to their high environmental persistence, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals".
Effects on Health and the Environment
The effects of PFAS on human health and the environment are a growing concern. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to various health problems, including weakened immune systems, liver conditions, increased cholesterol, low birth weight, and a higher risk of kidney and testicular cancer, as well as endocrine disruptions. It has also been observed that they affect the immune response to vaccines in children.
Additionally, their contribution to environmental degradation represents an indirect risk. Even if emissions were to stop, PFAS would remain in the environment for extended periods, accumulating and increasing the risk of long-term damage. Examples of PFAS contamination include essential resources such as water and soil. Their presence in food contact materials is especially concerning, as it poses an unacceptable risk to human health.
Regulations and New Guidelines
In light of the risks associated with PFAS, regulations have been implemented to limit their use. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive establishes that, starting 18 months after the regulation comes into force, packaging containing PFAS in concentrations above certain limits will not be permitted:
- 25 ppm for all PFAS measured with specific analysis.
- 250 ppm for the sum of PFAS measured.
- 50 ppm for PFAS in general.
Moreover, if the total fluoride content exceeds 50 mg/kg, manufacturers will need to provide proof of the amount of fluoride present.
Conclusion
PFAS pose a significant challenge to health and the environment due to their durability and toxicity. At Fych, we are in a constant process of development and research, supported by our foundational and investigative approach that underpins the company. Through our Research and Development (R&D) services, we strive to come closer to resolving these uncertainties and seeking viable solutions. Additionally, we provide recycling alternatives through our decontamination technology, which allows for the transformation of contaminated plastics into safe materials for food use. With our initiatives, we are committed to fostering a safer and more sustainable future, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the impact of PFAS on the environment.
