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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Why Aim Toward a PFAS-free Future?
ClearPoly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Do They Matter to Aquatic Ecosystems?
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.
Fate, distribution, and transport dynamics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in the environment
This review examines how PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," move through water, soil, plants, and air, with their ultra-strong carbon-fluorine bonds making them nearly indestructible in nature. While focused on PFAS rather than microplastics specifically, the two pollutants often co-occur and share similar concerns about persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health effects.
PFAS: forever chemicals—persistent, bioaccumulative and mobile. Reviewing the status and the need for their phase out and remediation of contaminated sites
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.
Impact of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on the marine environment: Raising awareness, challenges, legislation, and mitigation approaches under the One Health concept
This review examines how PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), often called 'forever chemicals,' are contaminating marine environments and interacting with other pollutants including microplastics. PFAS accumulate in marine food chains and can combine with microplastics to amplify toxic effects on ocean wildlife and ultimately human health through seafood consumption. The authors call for stronger regulations and cleanup strategies under a One Health approach that connects ocean, animal, and human well-being.
Research Progress in Current and Emerging Issues of PFASs’ Global Impact: Long-Term Health Effects and Governance of Food Systems
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
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.
Unraveling the complexities of microplastics and PFAS synergy to foster sustainable environmental remediation and ecosystem protection: A critical review with novel insights
This review examines how microplastics and PFAS (sometimes called 'forever chemicals') interact in the environment, since both often come from the same everyday products. The authors found that microplastics can carry PFAS on their surface, and when organisms are exposed to both together, the combined toxic effects including oxidative stress and reproductive harm can be worse than either pollutant alone.
The unheeded inherent connections and overlap between microplastics and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances: A comprehensive review
This review reveals the overlooked connection between microplastics and PFAS (forever chemicals), showing that these two widespread pollutants often come from the same products and interact in the environment. Microplastics can absorb PFAS onto their surfaces and transport them through water systems, potentially increasing exposure for aquatic organisms and humans. Understanding this overlap is important because the combined effects may be more harmful than either pollutant alone.
Interaction of microplastics with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water: A review of the fate, mechanisms and toxicity
This review examines how microplastics act as carriers for PFAS ("forever chemicals") in water, with the two pollutants interacting through various chemical mechanisms that affect their movement through the environment. The combined presence of microplastics and PFAS raises concerns about increased toxicity, since microplastics can transport these persistent chemicals into organisms and potentially concentrate their harmful effects.
Review of Recent Computational Research on the Adsorption of PFASs with a Variety of Substrates
This review summarizes recent computer modeling research on how PFAS, sometimes called "forever chemicals," stick to various materials, which could help develop better cleanup methods. While focused on PFAS rather than microplastics, both are persistent environmental pollutants that resist breakdown and accumulate in the body. Understanding how these chemicals interact with surfaces at the molecular level could lead to more effective ways to remove them from contaminated water and soil.
Molecular-Scale Insights into the Interactions between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polyethylene
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called microplastics can strongly attract and hold onto toxic "forever chemicals" called PFAS, which are already found in drinking water and food. This means microplastics in our environment could act like sponges that collect these harmful chemicals and potentially transport them to new places, including into our bodies. The research helps explain why these two types of pollution might work together to create bigger health risks than either one alone.
Global Perspective on the Impact of Plastic Waste as a Source of Microplastics and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
This perspective examines the global environmental impact of plastic waste as a combined source of both microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or forever chemicals. Researchers highlight how plastics can release or transport these persistent chemicals as they degrade in the environment. The study argues that addressing plastic pollution requires considering these interconnected contaminants together rather than treating them as separate problems.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge: challenges of biological and thermal treatment processes and potential threats to the environment from land disposal
This review summarizes data on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as 'forever chemicals') found in sewage sludge, which is commonly spread on farmland. Current biological and thermal treatment methods struggle to fully remove these persistent chemicals from sludge. While focused on PFAS rather than microplastics, the findings are relevant because both contaminants accumulate in sludge and enter the food chain when that sludge is applied to agricultural soil.
The high persistence of PFAS is sufficient for their management as a chemical class
Researchers argue that the extreme environmental persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is reason enough to regulate them as a single chemical class and phase out all non-essential uses. Because PFAS contain perfluoroalkyl groups that resist virtually all forms of environmental and biological breakdown, their continued release leads to irreversibly increasing concentrations in the environment. The study warns that once harmful effects are confirmed, reversing PFAS contamination will be extremely difficult and costly for society.
Microplastics as carriers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic environment: interactions and ecotoxicological effects
Researchers reviewed how microplastics serve as carriers for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes called forever chemicals, in aquatic environments. The study found that PFAS can attach to microplastic surfaces and accumulate in organisms through the food chain, potentially amplifying the toxic effects of both pollutants. The findings suggest that the combined presence of microplastics and PFAS poses a greater environmental and health risk than either pollutant alone.
Environmental behavior of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and the potential role of biochar for its remediation: a review
This review summarizes how biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, can be used to clean up PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), the persistent "forever chemicals" found widely in the environment. Since microplastics can carry and transport PFAS through water systems, understanding how to remove PFAS is an important piece of the broader pollution picture.
Food packaging solutions in the post‐per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics era: A review of functions, materials, and bio‐based alternatives
This review examines how food packaging made with PFAS ("forever chemicals") and conventional plastics can release harmful microplastics and chemicals into the food we eat. The study highlights promising bio-based alternatives made from plant-derived materials that could replace these hazardous packaging materials and reduce our daily exposure to microplastics through food.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) as Emerging Obesogens: Mechanisms, Epidemiological Evidence, and Regulatory Challenges
This review examines growing evidence that PFAS, the 'forever chemicals' found in many consumer products, may act as obesogens, meaning they could promote obesity by disrupting hormones and fat metabolism. PFAS exposure has been linked to changes in how the body stores fat and processes lipids, with some studies suggesting maternal exposure may increase obesity risk in children. While focused on PFAS rather than microplastics, the findings are relevant because both are persistent environmental pollutants that can act as endocrine disruptors.
Critical Evaluation and Meta-Analysis of Ecotoxicological Data on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Freshwater Species
This meta-analysis assessed the toxicity of PFAS ("forever chemicals" commonly found in plastics and coatings) to freshwater species. The findings suggest that even low concentrations of certain PFAS compounds can harm aquatic life, which has implications for ecosystems and the safety of our water supply.
Why is high persistence alone a major cause of concern?
This paper argues that persistence alone — the ability of a chemical to resist degradation in the environment — should be treated as a major hazard concern in chemical regulation, even without established toxicity data. The argument is directly relevant to microplastics, which are highly persistent and accumulate in ecosystems over time.