Why in news?
Scientists analysing blood samples collected between 2003 and 2021 have reported an 86 percent decline in the levels of older per‑ and poly‑fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in humans because some manufacturers stopped producing them. However, newer PFAS compounds remain widespread. Meanwhile a recent review in a peer‑reviewed journal found that exposure to PFAS during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes and disturbances in insulin regulation. In India PFAS are used in semiconductors and many consumer goods, but there are currently no comprehensive regulations governing their use.
Background
PFAS are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used since the mid‑20th century to impart water‑, grease‑ and heat‑resistant properties to products. The carbon–fluorine bond in PFAS is one of the strongest in organic chemistry, making them extremely persistent in the environment and in living organisms – hence the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Sources and uses
- Consumer products: PFAS are used in non‑stick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain‑resistant fabrics, food packaging, firefighting foams and cosmetics.
- Industrial applications: Many high‑tech industries, including the semiconductor and medical device sectors, rely on PFAS coatings for their durability and chemical stability.
- Environmental contamination: PFAS can leach into soil, water and air from manufacturing facilities, industrial waste and landfills. Because they break down extremely slowly, they accumulate in the bodies of humans and wildlife over time.
Health effects
- Metabolic disorders: Recent research synthesising multiple studies found consistent evidence that higher PFAS exposure is associated with gestational diabetes and disruptions in insulin secretion and sensitivity.
- Immune and hormonal impacts: Long‑term exposure has been linked to impaired immune function, liver damage, thyroid disease and increased cholesterol.
- Developmental effects: PFAS can interfere with fetal growth and have been associated with low birth weight, developmental delays and behavioural problems in children.
- Cancer risks: Certain PFAS compounds are classified as carcinogenic, with increased risks of kidney and testicular cancer reported in communities exposed to high levels.
Regulation and response
- International action: The Stockholm Convention lists some legacy PFAS (such as PFOA and PFOS) as persistent organic pollutants, leading to their phase‑out in many countries. The European Union and the United States have proposed limits on PFAS in drinking water.
- India’s policy gap: India lacks binding standards for PFAS in consumer products or the environment. Experts urge the government to monitor PFAS releases, encourage research into safer alternatives and develop regulations aligned with global best practices.
- Reducing exposure: Individuals can limit exposure by avoiding non‑stick cookware with damaged coatings, minimising use of stain‑repellent sprays and choosing products labelled as PFAS‑free when available.
Significance
- Human health: Understanding the risks of PFAS exposure is critical for protecting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
- Environmental persistence: Because PFAS do not degrade easily, they accumulate in ecosystems, threatening wildlife and contaminating food chains.
- Policy impetus: The decline in legacy PFAS concentrations shows that regulatory action can be effective. Timely adoption of standards and surveillance in India would reduce future risks.
Source: TH
