Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a broad group of over 10,000 chemicals, increasingly in the public spotlight. And while the public may have heard more prominently of their consumer uses in non-stick cookware or waterproofing of raincoats, they are also found in many industrial and commercial products and processes. 

Because of their useful properties, various PFAS are used in many sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, defence, firefighting, electronics, medical applications and construction, among others. Within processes and products, certain PFAS can serve one or several functions such as lubrication, anti-adhesion, corrosion or explosion inhibition, flame retardancy, waterproofing, heat stabilisation, and repellence to dirt, oil or grease. The breadth of use explains why PFAS are so widely present in supply chains, and why identifying and tracking them can be difficult for regulators and industry.

At the chemical level, all PFAS contain specific types of bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms (see the OECD terminology document). These types of bonds are very strong and result in PFAS being persistent in the environment. Therefore, continued releases stemming from PFAS manufacture, product production and use, and end-of-life management will result in the continued presence of PFAS in our environment well past our lifespan, building up over time.

PFAS are diverse in their molecular structures, some less than 10 atoms in size, others long chains of repeating polymer units. They also differ in their physical and chemical properties beyond their persistence. For example, at room temperature some PFAS are solids, others are liquids and others are gases. They also differ in terms of their biological properties, including their level of toxicity. Some PFAS have been found to cause cancer and affect reproductive health while testing of others has not resulted in the same effects. At the same time, the same amount of information is not available for all PFAS. 

For some sectors it is more straightforward to substitute PFAS than others, even when information gaps remain. This journey is already underway for cosmetics and many consumer products ranging from clothing and textiles to lubricants and food contact materials. This shift can be reinforced by regulations to ensure a level playing field for industry. Yet in other sectors, the functional performance requirements make substitution more challenging, particularly where products provide essential services or require stringent qualification such as industrial processes in extreme conditions, aircraft parts or medical devices.

Considerations on the substitution of PFAS must also grapple with the potential trade-offs with other environmental goals. For example, certain PFAS are found in various products that service the energy transition, including electric vehicle batteries, coatings on wind turbines and solar panels, and hydrogen electrolysers, highlighting a potential tension between chemicals management goals and climate goals.

These intertwined dimensions call for differentiated risk management approaches. This includes eliminating the use of those PFAS with an unacceptable hazard and risk profile; assessing whether functional performance is truly necessary in particular sectors or can be readily transitioned away from; and where continued use delivers a clear benefit, ensuring occupational protections alongside more stringent pollution-prevention measures to minimise human exposure and environmental emissions.

Finally, it would be a mistake not to question what chemicals we are shifting to when moving away from PFAS. If a chemical substitute is required to continue the necessary functionality, is it safer for human health and the environment? What is the hazard and risk profile of the substitute? “PFAS-free” does not necessarily eliminate all risks and a shift to other risks might occur. Ensuring non-regrettable substitution is important and is potentially being overlooked.

1.      Sharing approaches: The OECD continues to provide a forum for countries and stakeholders to exchange information on their latest PFAS risk management approaches, challenges and solutions. This occurs through webinars and other information exchange activities. This helps countries and stakeholders learn from each other and leverage experiences.

2.      Development and dissemination of technical information: The OECD also develops technical reports to support risk management approaches. This includes definitions and terminology for PFAS and fact cards on groups of PFAS. Recently a series of reports was developed on polymeric PFAS – side-chain fluorinated polymers, perfluoropolyethers and fluoropolymers. The reports synthesise information starting with chemical identity and how these substances are produced, used and disposed of, and where releases may occur along their life cycle.    

3.      Sectoral-based identification of alternatives: The OECD has also carried out practical sector studies to support substitution. These analyses explore which PFAS are used in specific applications, what functions they deliver and where non-fluorinated alternatives are already available. Recent examples cover cosmetics, hydraulic oils and lubricants, current uses and hazard profile of coatings, paints and varnishes, and current uses and hazard profile of paper and paperboard food packaging. These studies not only help authorities judge where transition is feasible, but also help companies anticipate regulatory expectations.

Further information on these activities is available on the OECD PFAS website.