Helsingør statement on poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs)
Martin Scheringer1, Xenia Trier2, Ian T Cousins3
1Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
Chemosphere
|June 19, 2014
Summary
The shift to fluorinated alternatives for long-chain PFASs raises concerns about environmental persistence and potential health impacts. More research is needed on these alternatives to understand their risks and ensure safer chemical management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Chemical Regulation
Background:
- Long-chain poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are being phased out due to persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity.
- Fluorinated alternatives are increasingly used to replace legacy long-chain PFASs.
- Concerns exist regarding the environmental and health impacts of these emerging alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the transition from long-chain PFASs to fluorinated alternatives.
- To summarize key concerns regarding the potential impacts of fluorinated alternatives on human health and the environment.
- To provide concise information for stakeholders and the public on fluorinated alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Discussion paper synthesizing existing knowledge and concerns.
- Review of potential environmental fate and toxicological profiles of fluorinated alternatives.
- Identification of data gaps and research needs.
Main Results:
- Fluorinated alternatives may become ubiquitous in the environment, forming persistent transformation products like PFCAs and PFSAs.
- Increasing usage leads to greater environmental and human exposure, with potential adverse effects.
- Significant societal costs may arise from investigating these alternatives if not proactively addressed.
- Non-persistent alternatives are often overlooked.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need for comprehensive data on the uses, properties, and effects of fluorinated alternatives.
- Proactive assessment and regulation are crucial to mitigate risks associated with fluorinated alternatives.
- Consideration of non-persistent alternatives is essential for sustainable chemical management.
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