PFAS: benefits, risks, and new approaches to assessment

The group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprises several thousand industrial chemicals with unique physicochemical properties. These properties are based on extremely stable carbon-fluorine bonds, which, for example, provide polymers with chemical and thermal stability as well as tribological advantages. PFAS are used in everyday products such as outdoor textiles, non-stick coatings and cosmetics, as well as in high-tech sectors such as medical technology, energy technology and semiconductor manufacturing.

However, these advantages come with significant risks. Their release during production, use and disposal leads to environmental pollution. PFAS are often highly persistent in the environment due to their resistance to degradation. They accumulate in ecosystems and organisms, with some compounds proven to have human and ecotoxic effects. The term “forever chemicals” highlights their problematic nature.

At Fraunhofer ITEM, researchers study the effects of PFAS on human health. The goal is to categorize the chemical diversity of the PFAS family and collect data that can contribute to defining regulatory limits. Modern toxicological methods (new approach methodologies, NAMs) and innovative modeling approaches, such as physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling, are used. PBK models simulate the absorption, distribution and elimination of PFAS. Key challenges arise from the heterogeneous nature of the large PFAS group, their complex physicochemical behavior and the assessment of their degradation products.

Researchers at Fraunhofer ITEM participate in EU projects such as ZeroPM and the Fraunhofer Chemistry Alliance to explore PFAS alternatives and improve the sustainable management of PFAS and their substitutes. Additionally, Fraunhofer ITEM is actively involved in committees, workshops and public events on the topic of PFAS.