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 júl 2021
Accepted
18 nov 2021
First published
23 nov 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

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