Forever chemicals

What are perfluorinated chemicals and what are they used for?

Perfluorinated chemicals, also known as 'eternal chemicals', are a class of organic compounds containing extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Among the best known are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the latter more widely recognized under the brand name Teflon. The designation 'eternal chemicals' is due to their remarkable persistence in the environment and their resistance to natural decomposition.

These compounds are characterized by their exceptional resistance to heat, water and staining, properties that make them valuable in a variety of industrial and consumer applications. For example, PTFE is commonly used in the manufacture of non-stick cookware, popularly known as Teflon pans. Its ability to repel water and stains has also led to its use in textile products, such as waterproof clothing and carpets treated to resist spills and stains.

In addition, perfluorinated chemicals are found in food packaging, where they act as barriers against grease and oil, and in firefighting foams, due to their ability to effectively smother flames. They are also components in electronic products and industrial coatings, taking advantage of their chemical stability and corrosion resistance.

The history of their development dates back to the 1930s and 1940s, when scientists discovered the unique properties of these compounds. As their applications were understood and refined, perfluorinated chemicals were integrated into a wide range of everyday products. However, their durability and resistance to degradation have led to environmental and health concerns due to their accumulation in ecosystems and living organisms.

Health and Environmental Impact of Perfluorinated Chemicals

Perfluorinated compounds, known as “everlasting chemicals,” have raised significant concern due to their persistence in both the environment and the human body. Unlike other pollutants, these chemicals do not break down easily, resulting in their continued accumulation in the environment and in living organisms. This characteristic of perfluorinated chemicals poses serious health and environmental risks.

In the area of human health, numerous studies have linked exposure to perfluorinated chemicals to a variety of serious health conditions. Research has shown that these compounds can interfere with the endocrine system, disrupting vital hormonal functions. In addition, there is scientific evidence suggesting a link between exposure to these chemicals and the development of certain types of cancer, immune problems, and fertility disorders. Some studies have even indicated that these compounds may affect fetal development, leading to complications during pregnancy and potentially to chronic diseases in adulthood.

The environmental persistence of perfluorinated chemicals is also alarming. These compounds can travel long distances through water and air, contaminating soils, rivers and oceans, and affecting wildlife. Aquatic organisms, in particular, can accumulate high levels of these chemicals in their tissues, which not only affects their health but can also have implications for food chains, affecting predators and, eventually, humans.

To address these concerns, various regulatory bodies globally have implemented measures to limit the production and use of perfluorinated chemicals. For example, some agencies have set strict limits on the concentration of these compounds in drinking water and have promoted research into safer alternatives. Initiatives to reduce exposure include phasing out products containing these chemicals and promoting more effective water treatment technologies.

On the innovation front, alternatives to perfluorinated chemicals that can offer the same industrial advantages without the associated risks are being explored. These alternatives include compounds that degrade more rapidly in the environment and do not have the same levels of toxicity.