Exposure for generations: PFAS in the environment
PFAS chemicals end up in the environment and pollute it for generations. The substances in this huge class of substances not only accumulate in the environment but also in the human body. PFAS are suspected to be linked to diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders and immune damage and to have effects on fertility and babies in the womb. Safe alternatives are therefore urgently needed. We provide the facts on exposure to this problematic class of substances – and shed light on what Empa, Eawag and the Ecotox Center are doing about it.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a large and extremely diverse group of chemical compounds that contain fluorine (F). They are synthetically produced molecules that have a wide range of unique properties. As PFAS can be extremely stable, they are also known as “Forever Chemicals”.
In fact, their chemical and thermal stability is record-breaking and makes PFAS extremely interesting for technical applications in a wide range of products. Their useful properties include being heat-resistant and repelling water, grease and dirt. Due to their many positive properties, this class of substances is currently difficult to replace with conventional materials.
Why are PFAS hazardous?
PFAS are released into the environment during production, use and disposal. The substances are hardly broken down in nature and sometimes remain stable for hundreds of years. As a result, PFAS accumulate both in the environment and in organisms. Larger molecules are particularly long-lived. Small fragments, on the other hand, spread particularly widely in water and through the air. They enter the soil and the food chain because they are easily absorbed by organisms. For this reason, these substances from the PFAS family should no longer be released into the environment; some of these substances are already banned.
People come into contact with PFAS through food and drinking water, for example. In the body, the substances accumulate in internal organs. This poses health risks, and some PFAS are indeed associated with various diseases. For instance, harmful effects on the liver, kidneys and immune system are known. Some substances are also said to be carcinogenic or to impair fertility and the development of babies in the womb.
How can I avoid PFAS in everyday life?
- Avoid PFAS-containing products such as baking paper or Teflon-coated frying pans.
- Use reusable containers instead of disposable packaging.
- Fast food and frozen products such as ready-made pizza can also be contaminated with PFAS due to their processing and disposable packaging.
- Avoid cosmetics with “fluoro” in the list of ingredients.
What are Empa, Eawag and the Ecotox Center doing?
Researchers at Empa, Eawag and the Ecotox Center are working on a variety of approaches to solve the problem of “Forever Chemicals”. For example, they are developing reliable analytical methods to measure even (as yet) unknown PFAS and are investigating the transfer of PFAS from the environment into the food chain. Other teams are clarifying the degradation of PFAS in the environment and looking for innovative technologies to remove the substances from contaminated areas. Materials scientists are developing safe and sustainable materials so that PFAS can be replaced in everyday products. And finally, teams of experts support public authorities with further education and the development of threshold values.
Pocket Facts #02
(In)famous Allrounder
PFAS – Forever Chemicals
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How do PFAS get into the environment?
Origin and distribution
Industry uses more than 4,000 different registered PFAS compounds. The OECD has even registered well over eight million compounds. However, the environmental impact of only around 50 of them is known. Researchers are developing reliable analytical methods to measure PFAS in very low concentrations or with as yet unknown chemical composition, and are investigating the transfer of PFAS into drinking water and the food chain.
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What damage do PFAS cause?
Effects on humans and the environment
PFAS are hazardous to human health and the environment and are associated with numerous diseases. Empa, Eawag and the Ecotox Center are working to better understand these effects on humans, our drinking water and the entire biosphere.
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How can PFAS be eliminated?
Methods for removal
The remediation of PFAS-contaminated soil and water is complex and costly. Researchers are therefore developing innovative technologies to efficiently and sustainably remove PFAS from the environment and prevent them from getting there.
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How can PFAS be replaced?
Alternative materials
PFAS are found in countless products, as they are water-, grease- and dirt-repellent and heat-resistant, for example. Interdisciplinary teams are therefore working on developing safe materials that can replace the beneficial properties of PFAS without harming people or the environment.
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