The case for a more precise definition of regulated PFAS

We argue that there is a need for a more precise of PFAS in a way that avoids including compounds with single CF 3 -, -CF 2 -, or &z.dbdsl;CF- groups and excludes TFA and compounds that degrade to just give TFA. An example that meets this need is the definition by the U.S. Environmental Protecti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science--processes & impacts 2021-12, Vol.23 (12), p.1834-1838
Main Authors: Wallington, T. J, Andersen, M. P. Sulbaek, Nielsen, O. J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alkanesulfonic Acids
Carboxylic Acids
Environmental impact
Environmental protection
Fluorine
Fluorine compounds
Fluorocarbons - analysis
Perfluoroalkyl & polyfluoroalkyl substances
Sulfonic Acids
United States
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
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Summary:We argue that there is a need for a more precise of PFAS in a way that avoids including compounds with single CF 3 -, -CF 2 -, or &z.dbdsl;CF- groups and excludes TFA and compounds that degrade to just give TFA. An example that meets this need is the definition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of PFAS as "per- and polyfluorinated substances that structurally contain the unit R-(CF 2 )-C(F)(R 1 )R 2 . Both the CF 2 and CF moieties are saturated carbons and none of the R groups (R, R 1 , or R 2 ) can be hydrogen". Adoption of this definition, or one like it, would place future technical and regulatory discussions of the environmental impacts of organo-fluorine compounds on a sounder technical footing by focusing PFAS discussions and regulation on long-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids and perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids. Many existing definitions of PFAS are overly broad, there is a strong case for a more precise definition of regulated PFAS.
ISSN:2050-7887
2050-7895
DOI:10.1039/d1em00296a