Researchers create framework to consider the impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in life cycle assessment (LCA); develops impact characterization factors within USEtox model; finds that even low PFAS emissions can have large effects on LCA results
Public consultation to inform broad EU PFAS restriction
Group of five EU national authorities launch online questionnaire to collect information on the uses and alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); plan to develop wide-ranging joint restriction proposal on uses of PFAS; information accepted until end of July 2020
UK recognizes importance of grouping PFAS
UK environmental minister identifies the need to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a group, included in response to a letter sent earlier by civil society organizations to UK agencies calling for PFAS restrictions in food packaging
Study signifies potential toxicity of non-fluorinated surfactants
High-throughput screening of non-fluorinated aqueous firefighting foam finds they bind to key human protein as done by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); suggests non-fluorinated alternatives may have similar toxicity pathway as PFAS
3rd Washington state webinar on PFAS alternatives assessment
U.S. state of Washington to hold next webinar on alternatives assessment for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging; discussion with stakeholders to focus on essential functions and possible over-engineering of PFAS-containing products
Sweden identifies PFAS as priority risk area
Annual evaluation published by Swedish Environmental Protection Agency summarizes efforts made towards achieving non-toxic environment by 2020, highlights per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as priority chemical risk area
FDA studies show short-chain PFAS toxicity, metabolite bioaccumulation
Scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publish two studies on 6:2 fluorotelomer (6:2 FTOH); find risk posed by toxicity of 6:2 FTOH previously underestimated, acidic fluorotelomer metabolite bioaccumulates
3M launches PFAS resources website, offers free reference standards
Website compiles previously published studies related to lab measurements, field testing, and remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); reference standards for four PFAS mixtures can be ordered by research institutions in the U.S.
Study finds PFAS with carcinogenic characteristics
Scientists from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Indiana University investigate 26 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), find all exhibit at least one or more characteristic of known human carcinogens
UK government urged to restrict PFAS in packaging
Letter from stakeholders including civil society groups and actor Mark Ruffalo asks UK ministers to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in paper and board food packaging; petition to UK supermarkets collecting public signatures