Non-polymer PFAS can build up in blood protein of animals, and is not always removed quickly. This means that predators eating PFAS-contaminated food will have higher levels in their bloodstream, and concentrations can increase up the food chain. Studies suggest that build up of PFAS is similar to those of other Persistent Organic Pollutants such as DDT.PFAS are estimated to be settling in arctic regions at rates of tens to hundreds of kilograms per year (25-850kg per year), depending on the specific PFAS chemical in question. Certain PFAS are released as gases to the environment and are blown a long way by wind and air currents in the atmosphere,. These gas PFAS will over time degrade to more persistent chemicals like PFOS and PFOA. This may be one reason why PFAS of environmental concern have been found in remote regions such as the Arctic as well as near PFAS production sitesPFAS including PFOS and PFOA have been found in air samples around Europe. The chemicals are found in small quantities, but appear in almost all samples tested. PFAS enters the atmosphere both from factories and the air inside our homes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17554424 PFAS is found in treated waste water from industrial and domestic sources and has been found in both rivers and groundwater. Conventional drinking water processes will not remove PFAS.PFAS-coated clothes that are thrown away will often end up either incinerated or in landfill. Unless incinerated at very high temperatures (>1000oC), fluorinated polymers could release more harmful PFAS during burning. PFAS of environmental concern have also been found in landfill leachate. Non-polymer PFAS are used in the production of fluorinated polymers. The manufacture of stain-resistant finishes generally releases these PFASs into the environment, both by air and water emissions. They are very hard to remove during water treatment. Workers in textiles factories are some of the population most exposed to these potentially harmful chemicals. Small quantities of PFAS will be removed during wash and wear of products containing PFAS. This includes fluorinated polymers used on stain-resistant coatings, and non-polymers that remain on clothes after production (Lassen et al. 2015).Most UK waste still ends up in landfill, and this includes PFAS-containing products. Studies have shown that the liquid coming from landfills (known as leachate) often contain non-polymer PFAS chemicals. In the USA the total quantities were estimated at 563-638 kg in 2013. To properly break down PFAS chemicals high temperature (1000oC or more) incineration is recommended. Incineration of municipal waste does not necessarily reach these temperatures (min temp. required is 850oC), and the incomplete breakdown could release non-polymer PFAS.Wash and wear of clothing that contains PFAS-based stain-resistant or water repellent finishes release PFAS to the environment. Coatings are thought to lose effectiveness after 20-30 washes. This can include non-polymer PFAS, remnant from production or as a break-down product of side-chain polymers (Lassen et al. 2015). The manufacture of stain-resistant finishes releases PFASs into the environment, both by air and water emissions. PFAS are very hard to remove during water treatment. Industrial emissions are estimated to be the biggest source of these chemicals to the environment.

News and Blogs

5th May 2020

ChemSec rallies companies to end the use of forever chemicals

PFAS are increasingly being recognised as a threat to our health and environment all across the world. And all across the world, the message from NGOs working in this area is the same – we need to stop using them. Swedish-based environmental NGO, ChemSec, has been working to promote sustainable chemical use for almost...
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24th April 2020

UK Minister agrees PFAS “need to be addressed as a group”

DEFRA sets out the UK’s intentions for PFAS regulation in response to joint letter calling for Forever Chemicals to be removed from UK food packaging

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28th February 2020

Dark Waters exposes PFAS pollution

Fidra employee, Naomi Arnold describes her experiences of watching Dark Waters, a new film by Todd Haynes, and reading Exposure, Robert Bilott’s book about uncovering the dark secrets of chemical poisoning.

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24th February 2020

Fidra joins leading NGOs in asking the UK Government to take action on PFAS, the forever chemicals

Scientists, lawyers, health and environmental charities, join with actor Mark Ruffalo to urge UK ministers to remove PFAS from our food packaging

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11th February 2020

Forever Chemicals in the Food Aisle

Fidra release new report showing PFAS, forever chemicals, in food packaging from 8 out of 9 major UK supermarkets.

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5th February 2020

Marine Conservation Society find PFAS in your bathroom cabinet

PFAS found in cosmetics, hair care and face cream

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frying pan non stick pfas
5th July 2019

ECHA lists another PFAS as harmful to the environment

Good news for the environment as more PFAS are identified as a ‘substances of very high concern’. But is it enough?

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PFAS school uniforms
12th December 2018

Stain resistant uniforms go PFAS free on the high street

High street shops are now stocking PFAS free stain resistant school uniforms but environmental impact of alternative stain resistance in unclear

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school uniforms PFAS
28th September 2018

New uniforms fact sheet available to download

Confused about PFAS? Want to make sure you’re making the right choice for you when it comes to your next uniform purchase? Download our free fact sheet!

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PFAS diagram
10th September 2018

Zürich Statement warns unregulated PFASs on the market are ‘a long-term concern’

50 scientists and policy makers warn that the vast number and range of unregulated PFASs on the market and in the environment are a long- term concern. Zurich statement on Future Actions on PFASs.

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