Issue 12, 2021

The case for a more precise definition of regulated PFAS

Abstract

We argue that there is a need for a more precise of PFAS in a way that avoids including compounds with single CF3–, –CF2–, or [double bond splayed left]CF– groups and excludes TFA and compounds that degrade to just give TFA. An example that meets this need is the definition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of PFAS as “per- and polyfluorinated substances that structurally contain the unit R–(CF2)–C(F)(R1)R2. Both the CF2 and CF moieties are saturated carbons and none of the R groups (R, R1, or R2) can be hydrogen”. Adoption of this definition, or one like it, would place future technical and regulatory discussions of the environmental impacts of organo-fluorine compounds on a sounder technical footing by focusing PFAS discussions and regulation on long-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids.

Graphical abstract: The case for a more precise definition of regulated PFAS

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
15 יול 2021
Accepted
18 נוב 2021
First published
23 נוב 2021

Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021,23, 1834-1838

The case for a more precise definition of regulated PFAS

T. J. Wallington, M. P. S. Andersen and O. J. Nielsen, Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2021, 23, 1834 DOI: 10.1039/D1EM00296A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements