Are Fluoropolymers Really of Low Concern for Human and Environmental Health and Separate from Other PFAS?
Fluoropolymers are a group of polymers within the
class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The objective
of this analysis is to evaluate the evidence regarding the
environmental and human health impacts of fluoropolymers
throughout their life cycle(s). Production of some fluoropolymers
is intimately linked to the use and emissions of legacy and novel
PFAS as polymer processing aids. There are serious concerns
regarding the toxicity and adverse effects of fluorinated processing
aids on humans and the environment. A variety of other PFAS,
including monomers and oligomers, are emitted during the
production, processing, use, and end-of-life treatment of
fluoropolymers. There are further concerns regarding the safe
disposal of fluoropolymers and their associated products and
articles at the end of their life cycle. While recycling and reuse of fluoropolymers is performed on some industrial waste, there are
only limited options for their recycling from consumer articles. The evidence reviewed in this analysis does not find a scientific
rationale for concluding that fluoropolymers are of low concern for environmental and human health. Given fluoropolymers’ extreme
persistence; emissions associated with their production, use, and disposal; and a high likelihood for human exposure to PFAS, their
production and uses should be curtailed except in cases of essential uses.