PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

02 May PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic of the PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-03- Science & Technology: PFAS: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

FOR PRELIMS

What are PFAS and effectiveness of emerging alternatives to PFAS in reducing environmental toxicity.

FOR MAINS

Use of PFAS in industrial applications and Regulatory and Technological Challenges in phasing out PFAS globally.

Why in the News? 

An international team of researchers from the University of Bristol (UK), Hirosaki University (Japan), and Université Côte d’Azur (France) has announced a major scientific breakthrough in the search for safer alternatives to PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl Substances). These synthetic “forever chemicals” are widely used in consumer goods but are notoriously persistent and toxic. The new development involves designing fluorine-free compounds that mimic the water- and stain-resistant properties of PFAS without their environmental and health hazards. This research offers hope for replacing PFAS in critical applications such as firefighting foams, cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, and textiles, and has been hailed as a milestone in the global effort to phase out harmful chemical substances.

What is PFAS?

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and industrial processes. They are manufactured to resist heat, oil, water, and chemical reactions. Their widespread utility has led to global distribution. These compounds are characterized by extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This bond strength makes them highly stable, and they do not degrade easily, leading to persistent contamination. Because of their durability, PFAS are often called “forever chemicals.” They remain in the environment and the human body for years, accumulating over time. PFAS have been detected in water, soil, air, and human blood samples worldwide. Even remote regions like the Arctic show PFAS traces, highlighting their extensive reach through air and ocean currents. Over 4,700 PFAS compounds have been identified, though most are not well understood. Only a few, like PFOA and PFOS, have been extensively researched and regulated due to proven health risks. Regulatory bodies such as the EPA and ECHA have prioritized PFAS for restriction and study. Many governments are imposing limits on their use, though full bans are still rare. PFAS contamination is now a global environmental concern, requiring coordinated regulatory and scientific response. Without action, PFAS accumulation may increase ecological and public health burdens for decades.

Various Examples of PFAS

1. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): Used in non-stick cookware, textiles, and sealants. PFOA has been phased out in many countries but remains in the environment due to its past usage and persistence. It has been linked to testicular and kidney cancers, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol levels. Cleanup is difficult as PFOA contaminates groundwater and resists most conventional treatment methods.
2. PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): Previously used in Scotchgard and firefighting foams. PFOS is now listed under the Stockholm Convention due to its bioaccumulative and toxic nature. It can cross the placenta, affecting fetal development, and is found in human breast milk and blood. Despite bans, it continues to appear in remote environments due to long-range atmospheric transport.
3. PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): Common in coatings and adhesives. Associated with liver, kidney, and developmental toxicity, PFNA is under increasing regulatory scrutiny. Studies show it interferes with lipid metabolism and immune function in animals and humans. It is being detected more frequently in food chains and urban water sources.
4. PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid): A shorter-chain PFAS used in cleaning products. While considered less bioaccumulative than PFOS, it is still persistent and widespread in aquatic systems. Recent data suggest it may disrupt reproductive hormones and delay puberty. Regulatory agencies are now considering including it in watch lists for drinking water standards.
5. PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate): Used as a substitute for PFOS in some applications. Though considered safer, PFBS has been linked to thyroid hormone disruption and remains environmentally mobile. It moves quickly through soil and water, raising concerns over groundwater contamination. Some jurisdictions have already set health advisory limits for PFBS in drinking water.
6. GenX chemicals: Replacement chemicals for PFOA in industrial production. New research shows that GenX may also have reproductive and liver toxicity similar to older PFAS. It has been detected in rivers and drinking water near manufacturing sites. Though marketed as safer, GenX lacks long-term human toxicity data, making regulation difficult.
7. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): A fluoropolymer used in Teflon products. While PTFE itself is stable, its manufacturing process may involve harmful PFAS precursors. During degradation at high temperatures, it may release toxic fumes and particulates. Its widespread use continues to raise concerns about occupational exposure and waste disposal.

 Applications of PFAS

1. Cookware (non-stick): Teflon-coated pans use PFAS to prevent food from sticking.  Though effective, these pans can release toxic fumes if overheated or scratched. The decomposition products of PFAS at high temperatures can cause polymer fume fever in humans.  Long-term use of damaged non-stick pans increases the risk of ingesting PFAS particles.
2. Textiles and leather: PFAS make fabrics water and stain-resistant. Outdoor gear and carpets often contain PFAS, contributing to indoor exposure. These coatings wear off over time, releasing PFAS into household dust and air. Workers in textile industries face higher exposure risks during fabric treatment processes.
3. Food packaging: Fast food wrappers and pizza boxes often have PFAS coatings. These chemicals can migrate into food, especially when heated. Regular consumption of packaged food is a growing route of dietary PFAS intake. Waste from such packaging contributes to landfill leachate contamination.
4. Firefighting foams (AFFF): Used at airports and military bases for extinguishing fuel fires. Contamination from foam runoff has polluted groundwater across the globe. Many regions report drinking water supplies tainted with PFAS from training exercises. Efforts are now underway to develop fluorine-free alternatives to AFFF.
5. Cosmetics: Waterproof mascaras and foundations use PFAS for durability. Consumers unknowingly apply these chemicals daily, increasing exposure risk. PFAS in cosmetics can penetrate the skin or be absorbed through tear ducts and lips. Lack of labeling transparency means users are often unaware of chemical content.
6. Electronics manufacturing: PFAS are used in semiconductors and circuit boards. Their stability is critical for cleanroom environments but leads to waste challenges. PFAS waste from chip manufacturing often ends up in water streams without adequate treatment. Regulations are tightening on emissions from electronics plants using these substances.
7. Medical devices: Certain catheters and implants use PFAS for biocompatibility. While beneficial in critical care, their disposal poses environmental concerns. PFAS coatings reduce friction and prevent rejection, making them essential in some tools. hospitals often lack protocols for handling PFAS-containing medical waste.

Concerns Related to PFAS

1. Health impacts: PFAS exposure is linked to cancer, immune dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Even low-dose exposure over time may have cumulative effects on human health. Studies associate PFAS with thyroid disease, developmental delays in children, and increased cholesterol levels. Pregnant women and infants are particularly vulnerable to PFAS-related developmental harm.
2. Bioaccumulation: PFAS build up in blood, liver, and kidneys. Their half-life in the human body can span several years, posing chronic exposure risks. Unlike many toxins, PFAS are not easily excreted, meaning repeated small exposures add up. Blood testing has revealed near-universal presence of PFAS in populations worldwide.
3. Water contamination: Thousands of sites worldwide report PFAS in drinking water sources. Treating contaminated water requires costly filtration methods like reverse osmosis. Municipal systems often lack the technology or funding to filter PFAS effectively. In rural and low-income areas, people may unknowingly consume unsafe water for years.
4. Environmental persistence: PFAS resist breakdown by sunlight, microbes, and heat. This means they can persist in ecosystems indefinitely, affecting soil and aquatic organisms. Their classification as “forever chemicals” reflects their durability and environmental threat. Even trace quantities released decades ago are still detectable in soil and sediment samples.
5. Wildlife disruption: PFAS have been found in birds, fish, and polar bears. These chemicals interfere with fertility, growth, and metabolism in animals. Predators at the top of the food chain accumulate the highest PFAS concentrations. Ecosystem balance may be affected as sensitive species decline or behave abnormally.
6. Regulatory hurdles: Many PFAS are unregulated or unknown. This lack of comprehensive legislation allows continued production and export. The chemical industry’s introduction of new PFAS variants often outpaces regulators. A lack of international consensus hampers effective global action on PFAS control.

Recent Alternatives to PFAS

1. Fluorine-free foams (F3): Now used in some airports and fire departments. These alternatives offer similar performance without long-term contamination. F3 foams are especially favored in Europe and Australia where PFAS restrictions are stronger. They are biodegradable and do not persist in groundwater, making them safer for the environment.
2. Silicone-based water repellents: Used in clothing and tents. Though not as durable as PFAS, they are significantly less toxic. These repellents provide adequate protection against rain and stains for short to moderate use. Companies are improving formulations to enhance longevity without sacrificing safety.
3. Ceramic cookware: A PFAS-free alternative to Teflon. Provides a non-stick surface without toxic fumes or particles. Modern ceramic coatings are more resistant to scratching and heat degradation. While they may wear out faster, they present no chemical exposure risks when used properly.
4. Polyether-based surfactants: Used in industrial processes. These break down more easily in the environment compared to PFAS. Industries are adopting them in applications like emulsion polymerization and oil recovery. They offer functional performance while reducing ecological and health burdens.
5. Bio-based food packaging: Plant-based materials are replacing PFAS-coated paper. These degrade naturally and are safe for both humans and ecosystems. Materials like PLA (polylactic acid) and bamboo fibers are now used in takeaway containers. Adoption is growing in Europe and North America due to stricter food packaging regulations.
6. Government research: Agencies like the EPA are funding PFAS-free innovations. This includes safer flame retardants and hydrophobic coatings. Public-private partnerships are accelerating the development of green chemistry solutions. Grants and pilot programs support startups working on sustainable chemical replacements.
7. Corporate responsibility: Firms like IKEA and Levi’s have committed to PFAS-free product lines. Consumer demand is pushing industries toward greener alternatives. Retailers now label and market products as “PFAS-free,” giving consumers informed choices. Transparency and sustainability are becoming central to brand reputations.

 Conclusion

PFAS have been indispensable in modern life but come at a high ecological and health cost. Their persistence and toxicity make them one of the most pressing pollution issues today. Scientific evidence has strongly linked PFAS to serious long-term health impacts.  As more studies emerge, the need for urgent policy responses becomes clearer. Regulation of PFAS is advancing, but thousands remain unaddressed. A precautionary approach is needed to limit exposure from lesser-known variants.Innovation in safer substitutes is encouraging but requires greater investment. A full transition away from PFAS will take time, regulation, and industry cooperation. Public awareness is essential to reduce demand for PFAS-containing products.  Labelling and transparency can empower consumers to make informed choices A circular, sustainable economy cannot afford the burden of forever chemicals.  Phasing out PFAS is crucial for achieving global environmental and health goals.

SOURCE:  https://scitechdaily.com/major-breakthrough-non-toxic-alternative-to-forever-chemicals-discovered/

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Prelims Questions

Q. Which of the following is true regarding PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)?
(a) PFAS are biodegradable and pose no long-term environmental threat.
(b) PFAS are commonly used in products like firefighting foam, cookware, and textiles.
(c) PFAS are naturally occurring compounds found in rivers and oceans.
(d) PFAS are easily broken down by sunlight and heat.
ANSWER: B