PFAS and Our Planet: The Time to Act is Now
On Earth Day, April 22, RLG invited a panel of experts to help sound the alarm bells on one of the most important – and yet neglected, environmental challenges of our time.
From non-stick cookware and water-repellent clothing to firefighting foam and cosmetics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used for decades in countless products. Their unique properties – such as resistance to water, grease, and stains – have made them a mainstay of modern convenience.
Decades later, we are now learning that the convenience of these chemicals comes at a price – both for the environment and for human health.
Why Are PFAS Called “Forever Chemicals”?
The nickname “forever chemicals” stems from one of the most concerning aspects of PFAS – its extreme persistence. The strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest in nature, prevents PFAS from breaking down naturally in the environment. Once these compounds are released through manufacturing, product use, or disposal, they accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms. Today, these chemicals are so pervasive that they can be found in the food and water supplies of populations around the globe – including in remote regions like the Arctic, showcasing their astonishing ability to travel long distances.
Speaker Dr. Jamie DeWitt, a toxicology professor at Oregon State University, has spent over twenty years researching the effects of these chemicals, both on the environment and on human health. “Studies have detected PFAS in the blood of people worldwide, including newborns,” said Dr. DeWitt.
This exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health concerns. According to Dr. DeWitt, PFAS are multi-system toxicants, meaning they can affect numerous systems in our bodies. “Research has associated these chemicals with reduced immune system function, poorer vaccine responses, thyroid dysfunction, decreased fertility, developmental issues, liver damage, hormone disruption, and various cancers. What makes this even more alarming is that these effects have been observed in studies of both humans and animals,” said Dr. DeWitt.
While regulatory bodies around the world are beginning to address this health threat through drinking water guidelines targeting specific chemicals, Dr. DeWitt and her colleagues underscore that tackling the broader universe of thousands of PFAS compounds, remains a challenge.
Encouraging Regulatory Developments
On that front, there is encouraging news. “Addressing PFAS requires collaborative regulations and producer accountability. More and more governments worldwide are taking those steps to enact legislation, which includes product bans,” said panelist Rachel Graziotto, RLG’s Director of Circular and Compliance Solutions. Graziotto noted that, for example, the Stockholm Convention has brought 108 countries together to phase out classes of PFAS, with countries like Canada, France, and members of the European Union leading the charge. “These regulations are not merely punitive – they drive innovation by challenging manufacturers to develop safer alternatives,” said Graziotto.
Media’s Role in Raising Awareness
David Israelson, a journalist specializing in environmental issues, contributed his decades of experience as an environmental reporter. He helped answer the question, Why are the dangers of PFAS a story that has such a hard time getting heard? According to Israelson, “effective communication needs to convey not just the urgency of the problem but also actionable solutions that empower individuals and organizations.”
In the case of PFAS, the overwhelming scale of the PFAS issue can lead to apathy, often causing it to slip under the radar. “It’s a pervasive issue that is not as tangible a threat as climate change or deforestation, for example,” explained Israelson. “That is why effective storytelling is the key to cutting through the media noise to bringing attention to it. Highlighting success stories – such as industries phasing out harmful PFAS products or community-driven clean-up initiatives – provides a tangible sense of progress.”
Media platforms, whether traditional or digital, can also help balance urgency with hope. “Podcasts are an example of a medium that is well-suited for the in-depth narratives needed to break down complex topics like PFAS for a broader audience,” said Israelson.
A Path Forward Propelled by Consumer Awareness
Knowledge is power – and informed consumers have a crucial role to play in the phasing out of PFAS by demanding transparency and safer alternatives. Graziotto believes that better data systems and mandatory reporting requirements, like TSCA reporting in the U.S. and similar initiatives in Canada, will empower consumers over time. “The requirement that manufacturers must provide detailed disclosures about the presence of PFAS in products, will give individuals the knowledge to be better equipped to make informed choices,” she said.
While PFAS regulation and awareness are gaining global momentum, implementing and enforcing effective solutions remain incredibly complex. Unlike more localized pollution issues, PFAS contamination is a global challenge requiring coordinated efforts across industries, governments, scientists, and consumers. Keeping it in the top of the public’s mind through education will be key. Moderator and Reconomy Director of Sustainability Diane Crowe summed it up. “Discussions that are focused on empowering actions – whether that’s pushing for tighter regulations, adopting safer consumer habits, or innovating within industries to reduce reliance on forever chemicals – provide forums where difficult environmental issues, such as is the case with PFAS, can move forward.”
Thank you to our panelists for their participation and contributions to this important discussion.
Missed it? Click here to access the full webinar recording and learn about how science, media, policy, and industry work together to address this global issue.
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