A Common Sense Approach to Breaking the PFAS Cycle in our World

PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), also known as “forever chemicals,” have become a significant topic in today’s media. With growing awareness of the health effects associated with these chemicals, movements to ban PFAS entirely are gaining momentum. As regulators wrestle with the feasibility and impact of such a ban, it is crucial to understand the role PFAS compounds have played in shaping modern society. This article examines the significant implications of a total PFAS ban and proposes a balanced, commonsense approach to managing these chemicals responsibly.

PFAS: A History of Advancement

Since the discovery of the first PFAS compound in 1938, this group of man-made chemicals has profoundly influenced the course of history. Initially limited to military applications, PFAS were integral to the development of seals, gaskets, and coatings for warheads and bombs, including Oppenheimer’s atomic bomb. Over time, their unique non-reactive properties led to breakthroughs in medicine, such as the creation of contact lenses, advanced implants, and medications for cancer, depression, autoimmune disorders, and high cholesterol.

The remarkable waterproofing abilities of PFAS revolutionized everyday products, including stain-resistant furniture, waterproof jackets and clothing, waterproof cell phones, and makeup. Its grease-resistant properties improved food packaging, such as pizza boxes and fast-food containers. Indeed, it is challenging to identify a technological advancement over the past 80 years that PFAS have not influenced in some capacity. Given their pervasive role in technology, safety, and medicine, a total ban on PFAS appears impractical.

Addressing PFAS Contamination

In recent years, governments have begun developing regulations to mitigate the long-term consequences of PFAS exposure. Approximately 20% of PFAS exposure comes from drinking water. Although removing PFAS from drinking water is costly, it is both efficient and effective. Regulations to safeguard drinking water have been enacted, with timelines in place for implementation. While these measures face legal challenges, they are expected to endure.

Wastewater management is equally critical. An estimated 40-60% of wastewater in the United States is discharged into surface water, including rivers, streams, and oceans. These bodies of water are integral to the evaporation and condensation cycles that distribute PFAS globally, even to the highest elevations. Surface water also recharges aquifers, leading to groundwater contamination. Additionally, PFAS in these environments disrupt aquatic ecosystems and accumulate in organisms.

Wastewater plant solids, often used as fertilizers since the 1970s, have contributed to contaminated agricultural fields and increased the number of potential Superfund sites. Superfund sites, regulated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), are locations contaminated with hazardous substances, including PFAS. Cleaning these sites requires significant resources and coordination.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) also plays a critical role in PFAS management by addressing hazardous waste generation, treatment, and disposal. Establishing stricter regulations under RCRA can help prevent PFAS contamination from expanding further into the environment.

By managing PFAS discharge from wastewater and aligning efforts with CERCLA and RCRA frameworks, we can reduce contamination across multiple environments. However, technological advancements for treating wastewater remain limited, making this a challenging endeavor compared to drinking water treatment.

A bill in the U.S. Senate, referred to as the Passive Receivers Act, could provide relief to farmers and other individuals inadvertently impacted by PFAS contamination. However, its passage should follow the establishment of a robust regulatory framework under the Clean Water Act and RCRA to set enforceable discharge standards. Without these safeguards, the act might inadvertently allow polluters to evade responsibility for cleanup.

AFFF Fire Foam: Balancing Benefits and Risks

One of the most scrutinized sources of PFAS contamination is AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), widely used for firefighting since the 1960s. Originally designed for military use to combat jet fuel fires, AFFF has saved countless lives by effectively smothering fires and preventing reignition. Its adoption by civilian fire departments further expanded its use, leading to widespread contamination.

While non-fluorinated foams are being developed as alternatives, concerns persist about their efficacy. AFFF remains the most effective option for extinguishing jet fuel and lithium-ion fires. Transitioning to less effective foams could increase the risk of property damage and loss of life.

A Commonsense Approach to PFAS Management

Eliminating 80 years of advancements tied to PFAS is neither practical nor desirable. Instead, a commonsense approach should focus on:

1. Targeted Regulations: Prioritize removing PFAS from drinking water and wastewater to reduce human and environmental exposure. Strengthen technological research and investment in PFAS treatment methods for wastewater.
2. Responsible Use: Restrict the use of PFAS to essential applications where no viable alternatives exist, such as critical medical devices and firefighting foams for high-risk scenarios and develop containment and remediation methodologies for impacted sites. 
3. Sustainable Innovation: Encourage the development of safer, more sustainable alternatives to PFAS for non-essential applications. Provide incentives for industries to adopt and implement these alternatives.
4. Comprehensive Monitoring: Establish a robust framework for monitoring PFAS levels in the environment and tracking progress in reducing contamination.
5. Public Education: Inform the public about the risks and benefits of PFAS to foster understanding and support for balanced regulations.
6. CERCLA and RCRA Integration: Enhance coordination with CERCLA to remediate existing contamination and utilize RCRA to regulate PFAS disposal effectively, ensuring long-term environmental safety.

Conclusion

Breaking the PFAS cycle requires balancing the realities of modern life with the need to protect human health and the environment. By implementing targeted regulations, promoting innovation, and fostering responsible use, we can manage PFAS effectively without sacrificing the advancements they have enabled. A commonsense approach ensures a sustainable future while preserving the technological and medical achievements that define our world.

References

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “PFAS Laws and Regulations.” Accessed January 2025.
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health.”
• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
• Scientific journals and reports on PFAS in drinking water and wastewater management.