The so-called “forever chemicals” are a large category of compounds that have been utilized in a wide range of industrial applications throughout the last seven decades. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are properly known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and one of its most important characteristics is that they are extremely stable.
This makes them extremely valuable, but it also raises worries about their influence on human health and the environment. In Science, a review of current investigations on everlasting chemicals has been published. It examines what we know about PFAS and concludes that we don’t know much.
Because this class of chemicals contains over 8,000 molecules, deciphering its exact features and impacts when they aggregate in water, soil, and human tissues is a monumental task. “One of the most important results is that we still don’t know a lot. Because of the sheer magnitude of this compound class, there are a lot of data gaps and unknowns,” lead author Dr Marina Evich of the Environmental Protection Agency told IFLScience.
“We end up with a patchwork of data, with certain compounds we know a lot about, especially the legacy PFAS, and others for which we don’t even know the structure, let alone the toxicological outcomes.” Given their industrial application – from fire-retardant foams to stain-proof textiles and jet engine blades – many of the unknowns are attributable to the confidential nature of the synthesis of these chemicals. The smallest molecules in some classes have a mass range of around five times that of caffeine, while the largest has a mass range of 100 times that.
“We have no idea what we don’t know.” It is quite difficult to search for a molecule if we are unaware that it exists. Dr. Evich told IFLScience, “It’s tough to investigate toxicology if we don’t know the structure of it.” “In general, more information would be beneficial to the community; which substances are being manufactured?” What are the quantities in which they are produced? “What are the applications for these compounds?” says the narrator. Some of the most well-known PFAs that have been at the center of environmental problems have been phased out and replaced by new compounds, but due to an apparent lack of understanding about these substances, it is impossible to say if they are inherently safer.
Environmental remediation initiatives are underway, but they are only just getting started, necessitating the development of longer-term policies. “I believe one of the most serious challenges with these chemicals is their stability. They’re not going anywhere anytime soon. “They’re going to be around for a lot longer than we are,” Dr. Evich told IFLScience.
“Prioritizing uses could be a good place to start.” These PFAS are in high demand because they have qualities that customers appreciate. These chemicals repel both oil and water, which is something that everyone appreciates. There are currently over 200 different applications for them. Fast-food container coatings, anti-staining textiles, some carpets, upholstery, and apparel all contain them. They’re used in electronics, among other things. We don’t have to use them for everything, and we can start looking for alternatives by prioritizing uses.”
