Managing PFAS As A Class (July 13, 2020)

Enclosed is a copy of an open access article recently published in Environmental Science & Technology letters: Scientific Basis for Managing PFAS as a Chemical Class. (Managing PFAS as a Class). Copied below is the article abstract:

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.”

Article posted on the Chemical and Engineering News (C&EN) website (Why limiting PFAS in drinking water is a challenge in the US).

https://cen.acs.org/environment/persistent-pollutants/limiting-PFAS-drinking-water-challenge/98/i27