Given the persistence and potential for harm of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), a strategy is described to protect public health by reducing the use of this class of chemicals. As levels of some long-chain, well studied PFASs (i.e., PFOA and PFOS) in human blood samples and environmental media are decreasing, levels of short-chain PFASs are increasing. Short-chain PFASs are sometimes called “safe” because they are more rapidly excreted from the human body; however, these alternatives may have similar environmental persistence and potential for long-range transport and toxicity as the substances they are replacing. They are also expected to be more mobile in the environment and more difficult to remove from drinking water. The identity of many alternative PFASs is unknown, which inhibits exposure and toxicological studies. The shift toward production of short-chain PFASs may therefore be a "regrettable substitution” on a major scale. Based on reviews of the extensive scientific literature, the 2014 Helsingør and 2015 Madrid Statements provided consensus from more than 200 scientists on the potential for harm associated with the entire class of PFASs, as well as a roadmap to limiting their use. This focus on the entire class has helped enable decision makers in government and business to make more effective chemical policy and purchasing decisions. For example: the Scientific Guidance Panel for Biomonitoring California voted to add the class of PFASs to their priority list of chemicals for biomonitoring in 2015; manufacturers, retailers, and large purchasers, including Kaiser Permanente, IKEA, Levi Strauss & Co., and Crate and Barrel are phasing out the use of PFASs and other chemical classes of concern from the products they buy, produce, and/or sell by asking, “Is this chemical really necessary, given the potential for harm?” Reducing use of the entire class of PFASs has proven to be more effective than replacing a phased out PFAS with another less-studied substitute member of the class. This approach can help designers, purchasers, and manufacturers innovate inherently less hazardous solutions by limiting the use of PFASs to applications where they are truly necessary. Green chemistry innovation can create improved alternatives for some current applications of PFASs. With education of decision makers, increased transparency, and safer alternatives, the use of PFASs and other harmful chemical classes can be reduced.

When do we need PFASs?: A policy and purchasing strategy for reducing their use

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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