Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous and persistent chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”. They are used in various applications, including food contact materials (FPF reported). In a perspective article published in Science on July 18th, 2024, Mohamed Ateia from the US Environmental Protection Agency and Martin Scheringer from ETH Zurich make the case for a responsible and informed shift away from PFAS using a strategic approach . They summarize the status quo and suggest ways to avoid unwanted consequences when switching to fluorine-free alternatives.
PFAS are extremely persistent and can affect human health and the environment. The authors state that their chronic toxicity and ubiquity are still often overlooked in standard hazard assessments. They note that recent regulatory action (FPF reported, and here) and public awareness have led to a push for finding replacements.
However, the replacement process is not straightforward. “Regrettable substitution” can occur when one harmful chemical is replaced by another (FPF reported). Avoiding such problems requires extensive research, development, and information gathering by many stakeholders. The authors raise concerns regarding the fragmentation of assessments and replacement activities. The many functions of PFAS in many diverse applications make replacing them even more difficult.
The authors call for effective and holistic strategies considering (i) the full lifecycle and (ii) for open communication and data exchange between stakeholders.
Regarding the first aspect, replacements for PFAS should consider the entire life cycle from manufacturing to disposal, incorporate green chemistry principles (FPF reported), and balance functionality and protection of human health and the environment. The authors state that “[a]n ideal PFAS replacement has effective functionality, minimal safety issues, and a minimal environmental footprint.” Fluorine-free alternatives should be benign-by-design and have robust and resilient supply chains. The essential use concept and the careful prioritization of high exposure sources can help identify areas where the development of new alternatives is most urgently needed.
Regarding the second element in the proposed strategic approach, open data sharing can accelerate the discovery, development, and implementation of safer alternatives. Such collaboration avoids duplication of work and isolated discussion in individual sectors, especially where PFAS use is non-essential and alternatives already exist. Some stakeholders have already replaced PFAS in food contact materials (FPF reported). Nonetheless, the authors acknowledge that finding immediate replacements for PFAS in certain industries and for some specific applications will be challenging, particularly mentioning the demanding conditions and diverse applications of PFAS in semiconductors, aerospace, and construction.
The authors urge that these trade-offs, uncertainties, and challenges, should not be used to exaggerate the advantages of PFAS, downplay the link between PFAS exposure and adverse impacts, or overstate the technological downsides of alternatives. They note that “for alternatives to PFAS, setting realistic expectations is important. Not all substitutes may immediately match the performance of well-established chemicals that have been optimized over decades of use”. Replacing PFAS will require a comprehensive and strategic approach, a commitment to research and innovation, and a willingness to work together across sectors.
References
Mohamed Ateia & Martin Scheringer (2024). ‘From “forever chemicals” to fluorine-free alternatives.’ Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.ado5019