Blog Post By: Karun Tyagi

Introduction

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often dubbed “forever chemicals,” are a large group of synthetic compounds known for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects. These chemicals have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products, from firefighting foams to non-stick cookware. However, their resistance to degradation has led to widespread environmental contamination and mounting health concerns. As a result, both the United States and the European Union (EU) are ramping up regulatory efforts to control and mitigate PFAS usage and exposure.

Where are Forever Chemicals Found?

PFAS are ubiquitous in modern products, including:

• Non-stick cookware
• Food packaging (pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags)
• Water-resistant makeup and shampoo
• Dental floss
• Carpets and upholstery
• Raincoats and waterproof clothing
• Firefighting foam

Why the Panic?

The increasing alarm over PFAS stems from several critical factors:

1. Persistence and Bioaccumulation: PFAS are extraordinarily resistant to breaking down in the environment, leading to their accumulation in water, soil, and living organisms, including humans. This persistence means that once released, PFAS remain in the environment and continue to pose risks indefinitely.
2. Health Risks: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, increased risk of asthma, and immune system dysfunction. Studies have shown that these chemicals can affect growth, learning, and behavior in infants and older children, and reduce the effectiveness of vaccines​
3. Widespread Contamination: PFAS contamination is widespread, affecting drinking water supplies, soil, and air globally. Most people have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood, primarily due to contaminated water and food sources. This widespread presence and the inability to eliminate PFAS from the body add to the urgency of addressing their use and disposal​​.

Regulatory Responses in the United States

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been proactive in addressing PFAS contamination through several key initiatives:

1. PFAS Strategic Roadmap: The EPA’s comprehensive strategy includes setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for specific PFAS in drinking water, classifying PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, and implementing a Hazard Index MCL for PFAS mixtures. Public water systems must begin monitoring and reporting these chemicals, with compliance deadlines extending to 2029​​.
2. Funding for Cleanup: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $1 billion to assist states and territories in PFAS testing and treatment efforts, particularly for public water systems and private wells​ .
3. State-Level Actions: Numerous states have introduced their own regulations, banning PFAS in various products, such as food packaging and cosmetics, and limiting PFAS in industrial discharges​.

Regulatory Actions in the European Union

The EU is also taking robust measures to control PFAS through proposed restrictions under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation:

1. ECHA’s Proposed Restrictions: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed significant restrictions on PFAS, setting concentration limits and proposing phased implementation periods for certain uses. These restrictions are under review and could come into effect by 2026 or 2027​ .
2. National Initiatives: Countries like France are spearheading national action plans to reduce PFAS usage and manage contamination until EU-wide regulations are fully enforced​ .
3. Public Consultation and Feedback: ECHA’s proposal includes extensive public consultation, allowing stakeholders to provide input and ensure the regulations are comprehensive and scientifically sound​.

As regulations evolve, the transition to alternative, safer chemistries is crucial. Both the U.S. and EU are encouraging the development and adoption of PFAS alternatives, especially in applications where current uses are essential and no substitutes exist. This shift will require significant investment in research and development, as well as collaboration between industry, regulators, and the scientific community.

PFAS in India

India faces significant challenges with PFAS contamination. Various studies have highlighted the presence of PFAS in the environment and human samples across the country. For instance, a 2008 study found significant levels of PFAS in the breast milk of women in Chidambaram, Kolkata, and Chennai, with average PFOS levels exceeding the U.S. drinking water advisory limits. PFAS have also been detected in the Ganges River, groundwater, and even in air pollution in cities like Chennai.

Studies in India

Numerous studies have documented significant levels of PFAS contamination in India:

1. Breast Milk Contamination:
   • A 2008 study found significant levels of PFAS in the breast milk of women from Chidambaram, Kolkata, and Chennai. The average PFOS level in Indian breast milk was 46 ppt, more than twice the advisory limit for drinking water in Vermont, USA. The highest PFOA exposure in Indian breast milk was over 16 times higher than this limit.
2. River and Groundwater Contamination:
   • A 2016 study found 15 PFAS in the Ganges River surface water, with levels ranging from 1.3 to 15.9 ppt. Short-chain PFAS were more common due to industry substitution. The mean cumulative discharges of PFOS and PFOA to the Ganges catchment area were 240 g/day and 210 g/day, respectively. PFAS were also found in groundwater used for drinking and irrigation, with the highest intakes observed in children.
   • The Noyyal River study found PFOA at 93 ppt and PFOS at 29 ppt, likely due to industrial activity. PFOS was also found in the Cooum River and untreated sewage. Tap water samples from Goa, Coimbatore, and Chennai contained PFHxS at levels significantly higher than the health advisory limit in Vermont.
3. Fish and Dolphin Contamination:
   • A 2009 study found PFAS and other chemicals in almost all fish samples from the Ganges River. Ganges River dolphins also had high levels of PFUnDA, PFDA, and PFNA.
4. Contamination in Pigs:
   • A 2010 study measured PFAS in the livers of pigs living on a large waste dump site in Perungudi near Chennai. Female pigs had much higher levels of PFOS compared to male pigs, and piglets had higher levels than adult females.
5. Environmental Contamination:
   • A 2019 study found that around 70% of the PFAS in snow in western China came from the Indian Monsoon. India is also likely the source of PFOA found on Mt. Zuoqiupu in Tibet and PFBA in the snowpack of Lake Namco.
   • In Chennai, PFAS were found in particulate air pollution, with ultrafine particles having the highest PFAS mass fraction. Among the locations studied, Hong Kong had the highest PFAS concentration, followed by Chennai and two locations in Japan.

Regulatory Landscape

Despite the growing concern, India does not have specific regulations for PFAS. While India is a signatory to the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate persistent organic pollutants (POPs), it has not fully ratified amendments that include PFOS and other PFAS compounds. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has taken steps to regulate some POPs, but comprehensive PFAS regulation is still lacking.

Conclusion

While PFAS chemicals have brought convenience to many aspects of modern life, their environmental persistence and associated health risks far outweigh their benefits. Increasing awareness and understanding of PFAS can help individuals make informed choices to reduce exposure. Concurrently, robust regulatory actions are crucial to mitigating the broader impact of these chemicals on public health and the environment. Sharing knowledge and advocating for stronger regulations are essential steps towards a safer, healthier future.

Sources:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL)
Various industry and regulatory updates on PFAS regulations​ (Baker Botts)​​ (US EPA)​​ (US EPA)​​ (National Law Review)​​ (Homepage – ECHA)​​ (Resource Center)​​ (Arnold & Porter)​​ (Health and Environment Alliance)​. PFAS India’s Everyday Life: Recognizing and Reducing Exposure”-Manoj Chauhan https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pfas-indias-everyday-life-recognizing-reducing-exposure-manoj-chauhan-cqsqc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via