Finding essentiality feasible: common questions and misinterpretations concerning the "essential-use" concept

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Chemical Regulation
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose significant environmental and health concerns.
• Current chemicals management often relies on substance-by-substance evaluations, which can be slow and inefficient.
• The need for effective strategies to manage and phase out substances of concern is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and explain the essential-use concept as a novel approach to chemicals management.
• To detail a three-step process for assessing the essentiality of chemical uses, specifically for PFAS.
• To address common questions and misinterpretations regarding the practical application of the essential-use concept.

Main Methods:

• Defining the essential-use concept and its core components.
• Outlining a three-step assessment framework: 1. Identify function, 2. Assess necessity for health/safety/society, 3. Evaluate alternatives.
• Providing illustrative examples of PFAS use cases evaluated through the essential-use framework.

Main Results:

• The essential-use concept shifts chemicals management from individual substances to a group approach.
• It offers a more rapid and effective pathway for managing or phasing out PFAS and other substances of concern.
• The concept has existing applications in international regulations and supply chain management.

Conclusions:

• The essential-use concept is a valuable tool for guiding the phase-out of PFAS and other problematic chemicals.
• Its systematic approach ensures that chemical uses are only continued if truly essential for critical societal functions.
• Further clarification and consistent application of the essential-use concept can accelerate responsible chemicals management.