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Forever Chemicals, Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), in Lubrication
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This review examines how PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as forever chemicals, are used in lubricants and greases across automotive and industrial applications, and how they enter the environment through these products. PFAS exposure is a growing health concern because these chemicals accumulate in the body and have been linked to immune system problems, cancer, and developmental issues in humans.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, exhibit exceptional chemical stability and resistance to environmental degradation thanks to their strong C-F bonds and nonpolar nature. However, their widespread use and persistence have a devastating impact on the environment. This review examines the roles of PFAS in tribological applications, specifically in lubricants and lubricating systems. This article focuses on conventional and advanced lubricants, including ionic liquids (ILs) and their use in modern automotive vehicles. The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the adverse impacts of PFAS whilst acknowledging their outstanding performance in surface coatings, composite materials, and as additives in oils and greases. The pathways through which PFAS are introduced into the environment via lubricating systems such as in seals and O-rings are identified, alongside their subsequent dispersion routes and the interfaces across which they interact. Furthermore, we examine the toxicological implications of PFAS exposure on terrestrial and aquatic life forms, including plants, animals, and humans, along with the ecological consequences of bioaccumulation and biomagnification across trophic levels and ecosystems. This article ends with potential remediation strategies for PFAS use, including advanced treatment technologies, biodegradation, recovery and recycling methods, and the search for more environmentally benign alternatives.
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Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Do They Matter to Aquatic Ecosystems?
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This review examines PFAS, the persistent 'forever chemicals' widely used in consumer products, and their growing threat to aquatic ecosystems. Evidence indicates that PFAS accumulate in aquatic organisms, disrupt hormones, and can alter how other pollutants behave in the environment. The research is relevant to microplastic concerns because PFAS are commonly found in plastic products and can leach from microplastics into water.
Industrial Applications, Environmental Fate, Human Exposure, and Health Effects of PFAS
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This research investigated how tire wear particles affect freshwater invertebrate communities, documenting toxicity of common tire rubber chemicals leached from plastic particles. The study identifies tire-derived chemicals, particularly 6-PPD-quinone, as highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates, connecting road runoff to aquatic biodiversity loss.
PFAS: forever chemicals—persistent, bioaccumulative and mobile. Reviewing the status and the need for their phase out and remediation of contaminated sites
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Researchers reviewed the science on PFAS — a large family of synthetic "forever chemicals" used in thousands of products — finding that they persist indefinitely in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and damage the liver, kidneys, thyroid, and immune system even at very low exposures. The authors conclude that swapping one harmful PFAS for another is not a solution and that a full phase-out in favor of fluorine-free alternatives is necessary.
Research Progress in Current and Emerging Issues of PFASs’ Global Impact: Long-Term Health Effects and Governance of Food Systems
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This review covers per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called "forever chemicals," which are found in food, cosmetics, drinking water, and are linked to microplastic contamination. Decades of corporate delay and mismanagement have led to widespread human exposure with potential long-term health effects being studied across the globe. The authors examine PFAS levels in food and water from multiple countries and call for stronger regulations to protect public health.
Forever Chemicals PFAS Global Impact and Activities, Cascading Consequences of Colossal Systems Failure: Long-Term Health Effects, Food-Systems, Eco-Systems
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This comprehensive review examines PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination across food, water, and consumer products, highlighting their interconnection with microplastic pollution. The authors document decades of delayed regulatory action and cover-ups that have contributed to widespread human exposure. Evidence indicates long-term health effects from PFAS exposure, and the review calls for stronger risk assessment tools and policy responses to address this persistent chemical contamination.
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