Understanding PFAS: The Invisible Threat in Everyday Products

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been making headlines recently as awareness grows about their harmful effects on human health, the environment, and wildlife. Originally invented in the 1930s, PFAS gained popularity due to their resistance to water, grease, and stains, making them indispensable in various industries. However, the very properties that made PFAS useful have now become a cause for concern. These chemicals do not break down easily, leading to widespread environmental contamination and significant health risks.

In this blog, we delve into a discussion with three experts: Jack Sheldon, a Senior Remediation Specialist from Antea Group USA.; Lucie Robin Vigneron, Managing Director of HPC International from France; and Jolanda Boisson, a Project Manager at Antea Group France. They share insights on the challenges posed by PFAS, the regulatory landscape, and what businesses need to know to address this pressing issue.

You can listen to the full podcast episode "Addressing the Global PFAS Challenge" with these experts on our page here, or find it on any major podcast player including Apple and Spotify with our podcast Rethinking EHS.

Q: What exactly are PFAS, and why are they so widespread?

Lucie Robin Vigneron: PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that contain chains of carbon and fluorine atoms. These chemicals are incredibly durable, which makes them valuable in various industries. PFAS can be found in thousands of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foams, and even food packaging. The problem is that while these chemicals are beneficial in making products more durable, they do not break down in the environment, leading to long-term contamination.

Q: Why are PFAS considered a health and environmental threat?

Jack Sheldon: The primary concern with PFAS is their persistence in the environment and their potential to accumulate in living organisms, including humans. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, such as liver disease, kidney problems, and various cancers. These chemicals are found in groundwater, surface water, and even in the food chain, making them a pervasive threat.

Jolanda Boisson: PFAS are resistant to water, heat, and even microbial degradation, which is why they are so hard to eliminate. This durability, while advantageous in industrial applications, makes them a significant environmental hazard. Their resistance to breakdown means that once they enter the environment, they can remain for decades or even centuries, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."

Q: What challenges do companies face in addressing PFAS contamination?

Jack Sheldon: One of the biggest challenges is that many companies may not even realize they are using PFAS in their products. These chemicals can be hidden in various components or raw materials, and because they are not always listed explicitly, companies may unknowingly contribute to environmental contamination. In the U.S., for example, companies are now required to report PFAS usage, but this has only recently become mandatory, so awareness is still catching up.

Lucie Robin Vigneron: In Europe, the regulatory landscape is also evolving. While we have some directives in place, they only cover a fraction of the PFAS compounds. Many other harmful PFAS are not yet regulated, which means that companies could still be using these substances without knowing their full impact. This regulatory gap presents a significant challenge in managing PFAS contamination effectively.

Q: How can businesses start addressing PFAS risks?

Jack Sheldon: The first step is awareness. Companies need to educate themselves about PFAS and how these chemicals might be present in their operations. This can involve conducting thorough inventories of all products and raw materials to identify any potential PFAS sources. Hiring experts or consultants to assist in this process can be invaluable, especially for companies that lack the internal resources to tackle this complex issue.

Jolanda Boisson: Once PFAS sources are identified, companies should explore alternatives to replace these chemicals in their processes. This might involve significant changes in manufacturing or sourcing, but it’s crucial to reduce reliance on PFAS. Additionally, if contamination is already present, remediation efforts should begin immediately to prevent further environmental damage.

Q: Are there differences in how PFAS are regulated globally?

Lucie Robin Vigneron: Yes, there are significant regional differences. In Europe, for example, we have specific regulations for certain PFAS compounds, but these are still limited. In contrast, some U.S. states have developed more comprehensive regulations than others, leading to a patchwork of rules that can be challenging for multinational companies to navigate.

Jack Sheldon: Australia and Canada are also making strides in regulating PFAS, but like Europe and the U.S., they face the challenge of keeping regulations up to date with the latest scientific findings. Globally, there’s a trend toward stronger regulation, but it’s still an uneven landscape, which complicates compliance for companies operating in multiple regions.

Q: What advice do you have for companies facing PFAS challenges?

Jack Sheldon: My advice is simple: don’t wait. Start by getting educated on PFAS and their implications for your business. Establish a clear understanding of where PFAS might be present in your operations and take proactive steps to address these risks. Building a partnership with regulators rather than waiting for enforcement actions can help manage these risks more effectively.

Lucie Robin Vigneron: Understanding the history of your sites and the extent of any contamination is crucial. Engage in environmental studies to assess the impact of PFAS and develop a plan for remediation where necessary. This not only helps in complying with regulations but also protects your business from future liabilities.

Jolanda Boisson: Remediation and finding alternatives are critical. If your site is contaminated, addressing it quickly can prevent further spread and reduce long-term costs. And always be on the lookout for safer alternatives to PFAS in your products and processes.

Take the Next Step in Tackling PFAS Risks

PFAS represent a complex and evolving challenge for industries worldwide. Their persistence in the environment, coupled with growing health concerns and regulatory pressures, makes it imperative for businesses to act now.

Want to go deeper?

Watch our free on-demand webinar, Understanding PFAS: Risks, Regulations, and Remedies – A Global Perspective, featuring global experts from Inogen Alliance’s Water and Remediation Working Groups. Explore PFAS sources, health risks, regulatory trends, and real-world remediation techniques.

Need help navigating regulations in your region?

Check out our Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard — an interactive tool developed by Antea Group USA to help companies track compliance requirements across jurisdictions and reduce liability exposure.