Many media reports refer to certain chemicals as “forever” chemicals – a pejorative term for a family of chemistries that are vital to the composition of many of the products that we use in our daily lives. This family of chemicals, known collectively as PFAS, are valued for their physical properties, such as strength, durability, stability and resilience. In many cases there are no viable substitutes for them.
PFAS are Diverse
PFAS are a diverse universe of chemistries, each with its own unique properties, uses, as well as environmental and health profiles. The reference by some to forever chemicals is generally in reference to long-chain PFAS (e.g., PFOA and PFOS), which are no longer produced in the US, Europe or Japan.
Short-chain PFAS chemistries have different physical, chemical and toxicological profiles, so every chemistry in this class is not the same. For example, PFBA, a short-chain PFAS with four carbons, has a biological half-life of three to four days. Furthermore, research by EPA and by the NY DEC have also found that PFAS chemistries can be destroyed through proper waste management practices, so potential end of life issues can also be managed.
ACC and our members have supported transition away from long chain chemistries.1
How are PFAS Used?
Today’s PFAS are diverse chemistries that make possible the products that power our lives— including cellphones, tablets, and telecommunications we use every day to connect with friends and family; commercial and military aircraft; alternative energy sources essential to sustainability goals; and medical devices that save and improve lives.
Why Do We Use PFAS?
The strong bond between fluorine and carbon in PFAS provides products with strength, durability, stability and resilience. For example, PFAS can provide materials with resistance against stains, grease or water. There are no commercially available substitutes for PFAS in many of their applications.
PFAS are Highly Regulated
Today’s PFAS have been subject to review by regulators prior to introduction into commerce, and they are subject to ongoing review. PFAS used in commerce today are supported by a robust body of rigorous scientific health and safety data. Some have proposed grouping all PFAS chemistries together for the purposes of regulation, but regulating all PFAS on the same basis would be to disregard the distinction between long-chain and today’s short-chain PFAS.
Our Industry is Committed to Responsible Production and Management of PFAS
We are proud to advocate for strong, science-based policies that are protective of human health and the environment.