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The universe of fluorinated polymers and polymeric substances and potential environmental impacts and concerns
Summary
This review paper looks at "forever chemicals" (PFAS) used to make things stain- and water-resistant, and points out that a whole category called polymeric PFAS, including so-called fluoropolymers found in products like non-stick coatings, has been largely overlooked by scientists and regulators despite being labeled "low concern." The catch: these materials can break down and release smaller, more clearly harmful PFAS chemicals into the environment, meaning the contamination problem we already know about from PFAS may be bigger than currently tracked. The authors argue we urgently need more research to understand the real-world health and environmental risks these polymers p
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of surface treatment chemicals falling under non-polymeric and polymeric categories. Polymeric PFAS are comprised of fluoropolymers, perfluoropolyethers and side-chain fluorinated polymers (SCFPs). Fluorinated polymers and polymeric substances have gained a significant market due to their chemical stability. To date, research and regulatory concern has primarily focused on the environmental occurrence and health effects of non-polymeric PFAS, particularly perfluoroalkyl acids and precursors. Industries consider most fluoropolymers as being "polymers of low concern", although there is already a considerable environmental burden and widespread contamination resulting from their production, manufacturing and use. For example, SCFPs are widely used, and known to release their perfluorinated side chains. Concerted action is needed to address the dearth of environment-associated information and understanding on polymeric PFAS.