Dr Shubhi Sharma, Scientific Researcher at CHEM Trust, discusses the hidden dangers of forever chemicals, and why PFAS-free products could be key to combatting the climate crisis.
The dangers of ‘forever chemicals’
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, are a group of about 10,000 synthetic chemicals. PFAS are largely made up of carbon and fluorine bonds, which is one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry.
As a result of this extremely strong bond, PFAS chemicals are highly durable and exhibit various other properties – they are non-stick, have low flammability, reduce friction, and exhibit strong resistance to high temperatures. These properties make them a popular choice for use in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications such as textiles, electronics, cosmetics, cookware and food packaging.
However, this durability also means that once PFAS chemicals enter the environment, they hardly degrade and persist for generations. Even if all production and emissions of PFAS were to stop tomorrow, these chemicals would persist in the environment for generations to come. Even more worryingly, many PFAS can accumulate in the bodies of people and wildlife who consume the water and food contaminated with PFAS, or who are exposed to PFAS-containing products. Some PFAS have been associated with adverse health effects like breast, kidney and testicular cancer and fertility issues in both men and women.
PFAS exposure has also been linked to negative health effects on children, such as reduced cognitive, motor, and language development in infancy, increased behavioural issues like hyperactivity in childhood, and reduced vaccine efficacy.
PFAS-free alternatives are available in green technologies
The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and a rapid transition to a green economy is vital. The EU has committed to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to a green economy by investing in green technologies, such as electric cars, heat pumps and refrigerants, solar panels, and green hydrogen.
However, these technologies use PFASs like F-gases (a type of gaseous PFAS) and fluoropolymers (a type of plastic PFAS). A transition that relies on the use of toxic chemicals cannot be called green. It is essential that we deal with the climate and pollution crises together and ensure we are not polluting our environment, bodies and wildlife with toxic chemicals.
CHEM Trust has conducted in-depth research on PFAS-free alternatives in green technologies and found that innovative green-tech companies are making great progress in creating alternatives.
PFAS-free alternatives for F-gases in heat pumps/refrigerants
Heat pumps/refrigerants use Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) — a type of F-gas. Several HFOs break down in the atmosphere into another PFAS called trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which is currently being investigated for its reprotoxic properties under the EU’s chemical regulation. TFA is known for its persistence in the environment, and it also moves very quickly through the water cycle (very mobile). As a result, it has contaminated drinking water supplies across the EU. Alarmingly high levels of TFA have also been found in wine samples across the EU. It is not possible to remove TFA with current technologies in an economically feasible way. However, the rising concentration of TFA in the environment can be easily addressed by switching to PFAS-free alternatives. Various marketable and economically efficient F-gas alternatives are available for use in domestic, commercial, and industrial refrigeration and heat pump applications.
PFAS-free alternatives for fluoropolymers in hydrogen ion exchange membranes, solar panels and EV batteries
Green technologies, such as green hydrogen, solar panels, and lithium-ion batteries, utilise fluoropolymers. Some parts of the chemical industry argue that fluoropolymers are harmless to PFAS. However, scientific studies have shown that fluoropolymers emit other toxic PFAS at every stage of their life cycle – during their manufacture, use and disposal – and pose unacceptable risks to human health and the environment.
The good news is that fluoropolymer-free solutions for green hydrogen, solar panels and batteries are already being marketed by several companies.
Read more about alternatives to F-gases and fluoropolymers in CHEM Trust’s briefing.
The cost of inaction on PFAS is enormous
The cost of inaction on PFAS pollution is huge. Research has shown that the healthcare costs from PFAS exposure could cost Europe €52-84 billion annually. Whereas the global societal costs of PFAS chemicals may amount to €16 trillion per year. Innovative European businesses have the talent and commitment to create a competitive PFAS-free EU economy.
However, these need to be backed up with political will and institutional support. The upcoming legislative period offers a vital opportunity to support a comprehensive PFAS restriction which maintains the scope of the universal PFAS restriction.
This is vital not only to protect public health and the environment but also to drive innovation and position the EU as a leader in building a truly sustainable, 21st century economy.
What CHEM Trust is doing to tackle PFAS
CHEM Trust believes that the only way to control the PFAS pollution problem is to regulate all 10,000 PFAS at the source, as the EU’s universal PFAS regulation proposes to do. We urge the European Commission to maintain the scope of the universal PFAS restriction to ensure protection for both people and nature across Europe.
Read our full recommendations for the uPFAS restriction here.
