PFAS Per & Polyfluoroalkyl Substance-The Hindu-25-08-2022

GS-3
ENVIRONMENT :

CONTEXT :

PRELIM

What is PFAS:
PFAS are a large, complex group of manufactured chemicals that are ingredients in various everyday products. For example, they are used to keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware, make clothes and carpets resistant to stains, and create firefighting foam that is more effective. PFAS are used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics.

PFAS molecules have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment.
MAINS :

Origin & Utilization :

Per & Polyfluoroalkyle substance are chemical that have been used in a wide range of consumer & industrial products since the 1940’s due to their resistance fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints and fire fighting foams.

Certain PFAS are also authorized by the FDA for limited use in cookwave,food packaging & food processing equipment.

The widespread use of PFAS & their ability to remain intact in the environment means that over time PFAS.
From Past & current uses can result in increasing levels of environmental contamination.
Accumulation of certain PFAS has also been shown through blood tests to occur in humans and animals.
While the science surrounding potential healths effects of bioaccumulation is developing exposer to some type of PFAS have been associated with serious health effect.