open access publication

Article, 2020

Scientific Basis for Managing PFAS as a Chemical Class

Environmental Science & Technology Letters, ISSN 2328-8930, Volume 7, 8, Pages 532-543, 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00255

Contributors

Kwiatkowski, Carol F 0000-0002-5289-1218 (Corresponding author) [1] Andrews, David Q [2] Birnbaum, Linda S 0000-0001-5429-5658 [3] Bruton, Thomas A 0000-0002-4090-6021 [4] Dewitt, Jamie C 0000-0002-0440-4059 [5] Knappe, Detlef R U 0000-0003-1315-1791 [1] Maffini, Maricel V 0000-0002-3853-9461 [6] Miller, Mark F [3] Pelch, Katherine Eileen 0000-0002-4821-5153 [7] Reade, Anna 0000-0002-9989-5486 [8] Soehl, Anna [4] Trier, Xenia Thorsager 0000-0001-6067-8321 [9] Venier, Marta 0000-0002-2089-8992 [10] Wagner, Charlotte C [11] Wang, Zhanyun 0000-0001-9914-7659 [12] Blum, Arlene 0000-0002-0097-7319 [4] [13]

Affiliations

  1. [1] North Carolina State University
    2. [NORA names: United States; America, North; OECD];
  2. [2] Environmental Working Group, Washington, D.C., 20009, United States
    3. [NORA names: Miscellaneous; United States; America, North; OECD];
  3. [3] National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
    4. [NORA names: United States; America, North; OECD];
  4. [4] Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California, 94709, United States
    5. [NORA names: Miscellaneous; United States; America, North; OECD];
  5. [5] East Carolina University
    6. [NORA names: United States; America, North; OECD];

Abstract

This commentary presents a scientific basis for managing as one chemical class the thousands of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The class includes perfluoroalkyl acids, perfluoroalkylether acids, and their precursors; fluoropolymers and perfluoropolyethers; and other PFAS. The basis for the class approach is presented in relation to their physicochemical, environmental, and toxicological properties. Specifically, the high persistence, accumulation potential, and/or hazards (known and potential) of PFAS studied to date warrant treating all PFAS as a single class. Examples are provided of how some PFAS are being regulated and how some businesses are avoiding all PFAS in their products and purchasing decisions. We conclude with options for how governments and industry can apply the class-based approach, emphasizing the importance of eliminating non-essential uses of PFAS, and further developing safer alternatives and methods to remove existing PFAS from the environment.

Keywords

PFAS, accumulation, accumulation potential, acid, approach, basis, business, chemical, chemical classes, class, class approach, class-based approach, commentary, decision, environment, fluoropolymer, government, hazard, higher persistence, industry, method, non-essential use, options, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroalkyl acids, perfluoropolyether, persistence, potential, precursor, production, properties, purchasing decisions, scientific basis, single class, toxicological properties, use

Funders

  • National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

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