Facts on PFAS, FHNW School of Life Sciences

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are characterised by strong bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms that are almost impossible to break down. This is why they are referred to as forever chemicals.

PFAS can resist heat, water, oil, and chemical breakdown. These properties made them popular, at first for military uses, followed by industrial and consumer applications.

The first PFAS compound was synthesised in 1937, long before their damaging effects to human health were known. Now we know these chemicals can cause cancer, immune and metabolic diseases, organ damage, and reproductive and developmental disorders.

PFAS have been used since the 1940s in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including:

• Non-stick cookware
• Waterproof and stain resistant fabrics
• Grease-resistant food packaging
• Personal care and cosmetics designed for resistance (waterproof, long wear)
• Cleaning and household products
• Coated medical implants
• Skiwax
• Sealants
• Firefighting foams

Many companies are moving away from using PFAS in their products. They are developing alternative materials and substances that can provide similar benefits without the risks.

PFAS are found in most environments and organisms on earth, including:

• Water
• Soil
• Air
• Plants
• Food
• Animals
• People

Strong links between carbon and fluorine atoms prevent their breakdown and lead to their accumulation over time. There are over 50,000 compounds that have carbon and fluorine bonds. This means that there is no one-size fits all method for capturing and removing them.

PFAS with long chemical chains are the most toxic and accumulate the most. They are relatively easy to capture with carbon absorption methods. While they are less toxic, short chain PFAS are more stubborn, but can be captured with ion exchange resins. Often, it’s advantageous to use a combination of techniques to capture PFAS of different lengths.

Currently, it’s possible to remove PFAS from water and from soil. Experimental methods for removing PFAS from air, plants, food, animals and people have not yet been validated but are under development.

Since the early 2000s, European governments have introduced a series of legislations and guidance. These include reducing or eliminating the use of PFAS in products, as well as setting legal limits on the amount of PFAS that can be present in drinking water.

These regulations mean that companies need to find alternative materials and substances for the products they produce. Water and soil management agencies and companies also need new solutions for measuring, removing, and managing PFAS.

The PFAS Competence Centre at the FHNW School of Life Sciences can help companies and government agencies better understand, measure, and manage PFAS.

We also offer Bachelor, Master, and Continuing Education programmes and courses relating to PFAS analysis and remediation.