- PFAS polymers, though less toxic than other PFAS, still pose serious environmental and health risks.
- They release greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances during production.
- Over time, some PFAS polymers break down into more toxic, persistent substances.
- Their presence in materials complicates recycling and the circular economy.
- The EU is moving toward strict regulations to limit or ban PFAS, including polymers.
PFAS Polymers: Hidden Risks to Our Health, Climate, and Future Recycling
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have long been a concern due to their persistence in the environment and potential toxicity. While PFAS polymers—used in everything from non-stick cookware to renewable energy technologies—were once thought to pose lower risks, a new assessment by the European Environment Agency (EEA) challenges that assumption.
According to the EEA’s latest briefing, PFAS polymers currently account for 24–40% of the total PFAS volume in the EU and can cause significant harm throughout their lifecycle. The dangers aren’t just from the polymers themselves but also from the toxic by-products generated during manufacturing and their eventual breakdown into smaller, more hazardous substances.
Major concerns include:
- Toxic exposure to factory workers and local communities during production.
- Climate impacts from emissions of greenhouse gases like trifluoromethane (HFC-23).
- Ozone layer degradation due to release of substances like HCFC-22.
- Recycling challenges, as the presence of PFAS in materials hinders waste processing and reuse.
The European Union is now taking serious steps. Under the REACH regulation, five countries (Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden) have proposed a universal PFAS restriction, aiming to phase out most uses of PFAS, including polymers, unless specifically exempted.
The EEA urges a life-cycle approach to PFAS policy, stressing the importance of sustainable alternatives that align with Europe’s zero-pollution and circular economy goals.
