Source: UBA
Environment and Health
The length of the carbon chain in PFAS significantly determines their behaviour in the environment. Long-chain PFAS are persistent and accumulate particularly in organisms. This means that the concentration of these substances in living organisms increases over time, as they are taken up more quickly than they are degraded or depurated.
PFAS with shorter carbon chains are more soluble in water, can be distributed globally via the water cycle and thus also reach drinking water resources. Volatile PFAS compounds and PFAS adsorbed onto particles can be transported over long distances via the atmosphere and can also reach remote areas such as the Arctic and Antarctic.
PFAS can enter the environment already during the manufacturing stage or during the production of PFAS-containing products. They can also be released during the use or disposal of these products: for example, the release of PFAS-containing pesticides into the environment is particularly widespread due to the large-scale nature of agriculture. The use of fluorinated fire-fighting foams also leads to increased concentrations in the environment. The degradation of partially fluorinated refrigerants also leads to the widespread atmospheric distribution of PFAS. Through precipitation, PFAS enter the soil and surface waters.
PFAS cannot be completely degraded in wastewater treatment plants. Instead, various transformation processes in these facilities result in the formation of further perfluorinated alkyl substances from the degradable precursor compounds (polyfluorinated alkyl substances).
In some cases, PFAS accumulate in the sewage sludge at the wastewater treatment plant. If this sewage sludge is used as a soil improver in agriculture, the chemicals can seep into the groundwater over time. Furthermore, plants can take up PFAS from contaminated soil.
Humans are mainly exposed to PFAS through food or contaminated drinking water. Increased concentrations of PFAS in indoor air, for example from carpets treated with stain-resistant finishes, also contribute to human exposure to PFAS.
Articles
Chemicals
PFAS in Soil and Groundwater
PFAS have been detected in soil and groundwater in many locations across Germany. The causes of this contamination are varied. The use of fire-fighting foams containing PFAS often results in PFAS contamination at sites belonging to the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) and airports.
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Chemicals
PFAS in the polar regions
PFAS persist in the environment for a long time and are transported over long distances. They have even been detected in remote regions – such as the polar regions. There, they can accumulate along the food chains and cause toxic effects in organisms. As a result, they pose a risk to the sensitive ecosystems of the polar regions.
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