In an article published on August 31, 2018, the researcher network International Panel on Chemical Polllution (IPCP) informed about the preprint publication of “Zürich statement on future action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).” The statement, authored by over 30 academic and governmental scientists, has been accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
The scientists stress that “well-known legacy PFASs such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA[, CAS 335-67-1]) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS[, CAS 1763-23-1]) have been investigated extensively and regulated over the past two decades in response to their identified hazardous properties,” but “very little information exists regarding the current uses and potential hazards of many other PFASs.” Therefore, the Statement “calls for increased collaboration in efforts such as gathering information to fill critical data gaps, developing novel schemes to focus on highly (or very highly) persistent chemicals, and conducting joint assessments for groups of PFASs.”
The Zürich Statement builds upon earlier scientific statements on PFASs, particularly the Madrid Statement of 2015 (FPF reported) and the Helsingør Statement of 2014. It is currently open for signatories.
Read more
IPCP (August 31, 2018). ”Publication of the ‘Zürich statement on future action on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).’”
Emma Davies (September 6, 2018). “Current regulations fail to address environmental persistence of PFASs.” Chemical Watch
HEAL (September 26, 2018). “Scientists and regulators stress need for better management of chemical group used for its repellent properties.”
References
Ritscher, A., et al. (2018). “Zürich statement on future actions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).” Environmental Health Perspectives (first published online August 31, 2018).
Blum, A., et al. (2015). “The Madrid statement on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).” Environmental Health Perspectives 123:A107-A111.
Scheringer, M., et al. (2014). “Helsingør Statement on poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs).” Chemosphere 114:337-339.
