What are safe alternatives for PFAS
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Safe Alternatives for PFAS: Current Research and Future Directions
Introduction to PFAS and Their Risks
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their water and oil repellent properties in various consumer products, including cosmetics, food packaging, and clothing. However, long-chain PFAS have been found to be highly persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, leading to their phase-out in many countries1. Despite this, the safety of short-chain PFAS, which are often used as replacements, remains controversial due to their similar chemical structure and potential environmental and health risks1 2.
Concerns with Short-Chain PFAS Alternatives
Short-chain PFAS, such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), have been promoted as safer alternatives due to their shorter human half-lives and lower bioaccumulation potential. However, recent studies have raised concerns about their environmental persistence and potential toxicity. For instance, PFBA has been shown to induce liver toxicity and immune system alterations in animal models, suggesting that short-chain PFAS may not be as safe as previously thought4. Additionally, these compounds have been detected in various environmental media, indicating their widespread use and potential for global contamination7 8.
Non-Fluorinated Alternatives: A Promising Path
Given the concerns surrounding both long-chain and short-chain PFAS, researchers are exploring non-fluorinated alternatives. These alternatives aim to provide similar functional benefits without the associated environmental and health risks. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized halogen-free firefighting foams as a safer alternative to PFAS-containing foams1. Additionally, amine-functionalized sorbents have shown promise in removing PFAS from water supplies, offering a potential solution for PFAS control in municipal water treatment5.
Chemical Alternatives Assessment (CAA)
The growing field of Chemical Alternatives Assessment (CAA) provides tools and strategies for identifying safer substitutes for hazardous chemicals. CAAs have been used by various organizations, such as the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, to remove toxic chemicals from consumer products1. These assessments are crucial for clarifying the state of science among potential alternatives and guiding future research and innovation.
Challenges and Future Research Directions
Despite the progress in identifying safer alternatives, significant challenges remain. Finding substitutes that match the unique properties of PFAS, such as their chemical and thermal stability, is difficult and requires substantial innovation1. Moreover, the potential for adverse health effects from exposure to short-chain PFAS, particularly regarding low-dose endocrine disruption and immunotoxicity, needs further investigation1 4.
Conclusion
The search for safe alternatives to PFAS is ongoing and complex. While short-chain PFAS have been used as replacements, their safety is still under scrutiny. Non-fluorinated alternatives and innovative solutions like amine-functionalized sorbents offer promising paths forward. However, comprehensive research and multi-stakeholder efforts are essential to develop and assess these alternatives, ensuring they do not pose similar risks to human health and the environment.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Alternatives to PFASs: Perspectives on the Science
Short-chain PFASs may have similar environmental persistence and hazardous potential as long-chain PFASs, despite shorter human half-lives.
Very Rigorous JournalHazard assessment of fluorinated alternatives to long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their precursors: status quo, ongoing challenges and possible solutions.
Fluorinated alternatives to long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) pose global risks to humans and the environment, and a non-fluorinated substitution strategy may be a long-term, sustainable solution.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedEmerging Contaminants: Fluorinated Alternatives to Existing PFAS.
Fluorinated alternatives to existing PFAS show potential for environmental distribution, bioaccumulation, transfer, and ecological impacts, with potential for human exposure, epidemiology, and toxicological impacts.
Systemic toxicity induced by topical application of heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA) in a murine model.
Sustained dermal exposure to PFBA induces systemic effects, including liver toxicity and alterations of PPAR target genes, raising concerns about short-chain PFAS being promoted as safer alternatives.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyEfficient PFAS Removal by Amine-Functionalized Sorbents: Critical Review of the Current Literature
Amine-containing sorbents effectively remove PFAS from municipal water and wastewater, with potential for future applications in PFAS control at low concentrations.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedScientific Basis for Managing PFAS as a Chemical Class.
Managing PFAS as a single chemical class is warranted due to their high persistence, accumulation potential, and potential hazards, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives and environmental removal methods.
Highly CitedLegacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and alternatives (short-chain analogues, F-53B, GenX and FC-98) in residential soils of China: Present implications of replacing legacy PFASs.
Short-chain analogues and emerging alternatives are the dominant PFAS pollutants in Chinese residential soils, with PFOA being the most prevalent compound and GenX having limited national consumption.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedLegacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in multi-media around a landfill in China: Implications for the usage of PFASs alternatives.
The study found elevated levels of PFASs in groundwater and sediments near a landfill in China, with potential health risks from PFOS and PFOA being negligible through drinking groundwater exposure.
Environmental Fate of Cl-PFPECAs: Predicting the Formation of PFAS Transformation Products in New Jersey Soils.
Cl-PFPECAs, a safer alternative to legacy PFAS, have been found in New Jersey soils, but no evidence of ether scission has been found.
Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a contaminant of emerging concern in surface water: A transboundary review of their occurrences and toxicity effects.
PFAS occurrences in surface water are often several folds higher than the US EPA health advisory level, with direct discharge and atmospheric deposition being primary sources, and their use is increasing with potential adverse impacts on human health, animals, and biota.
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