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 PFAS 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.

General Resources

PFAS and Pesticides: a case for comprehensive UK legislation

Use of PFAS in pesticides provides a direct source of contamination to crops, soil and the wider environment, threatening soil health and adding to the existing PFAS burden. We urgently need comprehensive action to prevent further PFAS emissions from pesticides and to support a broader transition towards a PFAS-free economy in the UK.

Published: August 2024

Author: Fidra

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PFAS and the Green Transition FAQs

PFAS are not needed for the green transition. PFAS-free alternatives in various green transition sectors are available. Read ChemTrust’s FAQ briefing for more information about which PFAS are used in which applications, the alternatives, and the costs of PFAS pollution.

Published: July 2024

Author: ChemTrust

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Call for Evidence for PFAS in Firefighting Foams Restriction Proposal

Fidra’s response to a Call for Evidence supporting a restriction on PFAS use in firefighting foams.

PFAS in firefighting foams are a significant source of environmental contamination. Research indicates that firefighting foams may be among the top contributors to PFAS contamination in soil, severely harming soil health and fertility.

Published: June 2024

Author: Fidra

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NGO Joint Action Plan for PFAS

Fidra, alongside other health and environmental NGOs, developed a joint Action Plan for transitioning the UK towards a PFAS-free economy. This 7-step plan outlines key opportunities to reduce PFAS pollution, support safer alternatives and champion sustainable product innovation. 

Published: December 2023

Authors: ChemTrust, Fidra, Marine Conservation Society, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Wildlife and Countryside LINK

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UK PFAS Regulatory Management Option Analysis (RMOA)

The UK’s Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency produced an RMOA for PFAS. This is a technical dossier that provides an assessment of potential health and environmental risks associated with the use of PFAS, a description of the existing regulatory framework and specific controls relating to them.

Published: April 2023

Authors: HSE and The Environment Agency

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How UK Retailers are Tackling Chemicals of Concern: A case for group-based chemical legislation

This report summarises retailer progress towards sustainable chemical management utilising examples from two chemical groups of concern, PFAS and bisphenols. Fidra has worked with some of the UK’s leading supermarkets, food outlets and high-street retailers, and have seen an increase in support for a group-based approach to chemical legislation from these key stakeholders.

Published: November 2021

Author: Fidra

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PFAS Pesticide Resources

Farmer Case Study: Sustainable farming for healthy soils

Lack of robust regulation means farmers are unknowingly applying harmful substances to their soils, including PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ used in pesticides, and contaminants found in treated sewage sludge or ‘biosolids’.

This case study explores how farmer, Philip Sheane, avoids chemical contamination in farming. After growing concerns over the impacts chemical inputs may have on his health, his livestock, and his soil, Philip began investigating regenerative farming practices.

Published: December 2024

Author: Fidra

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Forever Chemicals in Pesticides Factsheet

Explore key facts about the usage and impacts of PFAS pesticides. Use of PFAS in pesticides provides a direct source of environmental contamination, risking soil health and productivity for future generations.

Published: July 2024

Author: Fidra

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PFAS Active Substances in UK Pesticides

This report investigates the use of PFAS as an active pesticide substance in the UK, with particular focus on the UK arable sector. Pesticide active substances present a direct route for PFAS into the environment, threatening soil health and productivity. PFAS are known to alter soil microbial communities and reduce the biodiversity and connectivity of soil bacteria, all of which can impact crop yields. 

Published: July 2024

Author: Fidra

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TFA in Drinking Water

TFA is a key degradation product of PFAS pesticides. This report analysed drinking water in Europe (both tap water and bottled water) for the presence of TFA.

Published: July 2024

Authors: PAN EU, Generations Furtures, Global 2000, Mouvement ecologique, Magyar Termeszetvedok Szovetsege, Nature Progres Belgique, Earth Trek, PAN Germany, PAN Netherlands, & Via Pontica.

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TFA in Surface and Groundwater

TFA is a key degradation product of PFAS pesticides. This report analysed surface and groundwater samples from ten EU countries for TFA residues and other PFAS.

Published: May 2024

Authors: BUND Friends of the Earth Germany, Earth Trek, Ecologistas en accion, Future Generations, Global 2000, Mouvement ecologique, Swedish Society for Nature Conervation, PAN Europe, PAN Germany, PAN Netherlands, & Via Pontica.

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PFAS and Pesticides: Europe’s toxic harvest

This report reveals the presence of PFAS as active substances among pesticides used across Europe. Pesticide active substances are currently not included within the proposed European universal PFAS restriction, all the while their use in agriculture is rising.

Published: Nov 2023

Authors: PAN Europe, Generations future

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Food Packaging Resources

Vegware Case Study

The popularity of compostable food packaging is increasing as producers look to reduce their reliance on single use plastics. However research has shown that many compostable food packaging options contain PFAS. This can result in contamination of compost and subsequently crops with PFAS from the compostable food packaging.

VegWare aim to address this with the introduction of the VegWare Nourish range of compostable, no added PFAS food packaging.

Published: Dec 2023

Author: Fidra

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Throwaway Packaging, Forever Chemicals – European-wide survey of PFAS in disposable food packaging and tableware

This report is based on a European study looking at the presence of PFAS in disposable paper, board and moulded fibre food packaging items. It aims to understand the widespread use of intentionally added PFAS in food packaging, as well as looking at background contamination levels.

Published: May 2021

Authors: Collaborative works of Arnika Association (Czech Republic), CHEM Trust, BUND/Friend of the Earth (Germany), Danish Consumer Council (Denmark), The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) (Belgium), Tegengif – Erase all Toxins (The Netherlands), Générations Futures (France) and IPEN

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Forever Chemicals in The Food Aisle

This report provides information on the presence of PFAS in disposable paper, board and moulded fibre food packaging across a number of major UK supermarkets and food-to-go outlets. The report also describes the ‘bead test’, now widely used as a preliminary indication of intentionally added PFAS prior to further testing.

Published: Feb 2020

Author: Fidra

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PFAS and Alternatives in Food Packaging: Report on the commercial availability and current uses

This report outlines availability of current alternatives, both chemical and non-chemical, to PFAS in paper and paperboard food packaging. The work was completed within the framework of the OECD/UNEP Global Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFC) Group.

Published: 2020

Author: OECD

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School Uniform Resources

PFAS in School Uniforms

This report surveyed 600 parents and guardians across the UK and revealed that PFAS stain-resistant finishes on school uniforms provide little tangible benefit, as these finishes neither reduce washing frequency nor delay uniform replacement.

Published: June 2018

Author: Fidra

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