It is estimated that more than 10,000 individual substances belong to the group of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS). These chemicals do not occur naturally in the environment. They are incorporated into everyday products such as anoraks, non-stick pans, shampoos and fire-fighting foams. But they are also used in various industrial processes.
Depending on the substance, PFAS survive in the environment for several decades to centuries. Scientists at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, have reported a breakthrough in drastically shortening the shelf life of these “eternal chemicals”. They developed a new silica-based material capable of absorbing a wider range of PFAS in wastewater.
Getty Images/Maryna Terletska To prevent sticking, pans are often coated with a PFAS-based nonstick surface
extremely durable
“This is very exciting because we can target these hard-to-break chemical bonds and break them forever,” said lead researcher Madjid Mohseni, according to the Guardian. As the substances are chemically stable, even high temperatures do not bother them. In addition, they have a very low surface tension and therefore repel oil and water. They are also considered to be very hardy.
Some PFAS reach rivers, lakes and seas through sewage treatment plants. Last year, a study showed that PFAS can be detected in rainwater even in the most remote regions of the world. With absorption of PFAS from contaminated soil and water by plants and accumulation in fish, these substances can also enter the human food chain.
Risk to the environment and people
How the vast majority of PFAS affect people and the environment is unknown. However, studies suggest a connection to high cholesterol levels, hormonal disorders, infertility, cardiovascular disease and cancer. “Of the relatively few well-studied PFAS, most are considered to be moderately to highly toxic, particularly to child development,” wrote the European Environment Agency (EEA).
“They accumulate in our blood and can be permanently lodged, mainly in the liver and kidneys. And the older you are, the more PFAS you have in your body,” said Amira Aker of Universite Laval. “They can even be transmitted to a growing fetus in utero, and even newborns have PFAS in their bodies from the time they are born.” This has been proven in a female orca with her calves.
Getty Images/Elena Svecova/Eyeem Many lipsticks also contain PFAS chemicals
About toilet paper in water
Whales are at the top of the food chain and are therefore among the most contaminated animals. Two months ago, researchers at the University of British Columbia detected a PFAS chemical commonly used in toilet paper in orcas. It can also get into sea water through soap and detergent.
Activated charcoal is often used in sewage filters, but it only traps certain chemicals and therefore “may not be effective,” Mohseni said. A variety of potentially harmful chemicals would pass through here. At the same time, the filtered chemicals would just be concentrated, creating new “highly toxic” waste.
According to Mohseni, the new method can be used both in the treatment of drinking water and in filtering systems in industrial companies. The effectiveness of the technology is being tested in practice in a pilot project. However, Aker cautioned against the viability and cost of the new technology. It is estimated that around 4.4 million tonnes of PFAS will be released into the environment over the next 30 years if nothing is done about it.
EU advises on ban
Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden are therefore seeking a largely complete ban on the group of substances in the EU. This is a kind of precautionary measure. The thinking behind it: if some of the substances are proven to be harmful, then many other representatives of the group of substances can also be. According to the EU Chemicals Agency (ECHA), this would be one of the most comprehensive bans on chemicals in Europe.
Companies would be forced to find alternatives. According to the proposal, they should be granted up to thirteen and a half years. There would be unlimited exceptions for some areas. The six-month consultations began on Wednesday. After the September 25th deadline, ECHA wants to assess a possible ban. However, the decision is taken by the European Commission together with the EU member states.
Sector: Disproportionate
Meanwhile, the industry is reluctant to ban the substances because only a few of them have been proven to be dangerous. Many apps that pose no risk would also be banned. A ban would also have a significant impact on the entire industry and its ability to innovate.
Many industries have replaced PFAS with other substances in recent years. However, this is not possible in all areas. In industrial plants in particular, and in technologies such as fuel cell, semiconductor, and lithium-ion battery manufacturing, PFAS will continue to be reliable well into the future. In addition to effects on people and the environment, positive effects and economic viability should also be considered for an assessment.