Relevance of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination to the environment and sustainable development

Abstract

Following the objective of the Journal of Environmental Science, Health & Sustainability to provide a dedicated platform to report important environmental problems, this editorial aims to motivate the readers to stay aware of the dramatic situation represented by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and how they are related to sustainable development. PFAS are a large and complex class of synthetic chemicals that have been extensively used in consumer products globally since the 1950s. These molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms, and, due to the high strength of the C-F bonds, they do not degrade and are environmentally persistent. For these reasons, humans and animals are exposed to these compounds, causing multiple health effects, and these “forever chemicals” have been declared priority pollutants. PFAS interfere with Sustainable Development Goals because they undermine goals related to clean water, good health, and sustainable ecosystems. They contaminate water and soil, harming wildlife and human health by potentially causing reproductive and developmental issues, increased cancer risk, and immune system suppression. Addressing this requires phasing out non-essential uses and developing solutions for decontamination and sustainable water management. In this sense, several technologies have been attempted to degrade these persistent and toxic pollutants from water, achieving different efficiencies. The PFAS chemical structure, applications, effects on human health, and some remediation solutions are mentioned in this editorial with the objective of relating these aspects to sustainable development.