An open data-sharing platform provides information on PFAS alternatives for use in manufacturing.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have various industrial and consumer goods applications. These synthetic fluorinated organic substances have properties like thermal and chemical stability and hydrophobic and oleophobic nature. Due to their persistence in the environment and harm to human health, these substances are increasingly regulated. Now, manufacturers in the plastics industry are seeking safe and effective alternatives to PFAS. A new open data-sharing platform now provides information on these alternatives.

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The Need for Detailed Information about PFAS Alternatives

Substituting a toxic chemical can lead to unforeseen consequences. The manufacturing of fluoropolymers provides an example of this. Manufacturers phased out perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and substituted it with hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). Now, recent studies show that HFPO-DA concentrations in drinking water, which can cause adverse health effects.

As part of the project ZeroPM, researchers created an open data-sharing platform on PFAS uses, functions, and alternatives. This project hopes to evaluate the suitability of PFAS alternatives and highlight where they are not yet available. Access to this information can help manufacturers find and test suitable alternatives to these substances. This can also help avoid substitutions that lead to harmful consequences down the line.

PFAS Database: A Useful Tool for Manufacturers and Researchers

To create this database, researchers sorted PFASs into categories, sub-uses, and applications. The categories provide information on which sectors and products use these substances. The database also lists chemical alternatives that provide comparable functions to those of the PFASs.

Market availability, performance, and safety concerns play a pivotal role in determining the viability of a PFAS alternative. Researchers took this into consideration when developing the database and categorized alternatives based on these metrics.

Information for Informed Decision-Making

As of April 20^th, 2024, researchers identified a total of 1,697 PFAS substances and 530 alternatives in the database. The collected information implies that industries can phase out PFAS in four applications. These applications include the coating for musical instrument strings, certain food packaging, and certain lubricants. As research continues, the database will require more detailed information. The list of PFAS used in the study was not exhaustive. Researchers hope to also include information about the potential providers of these alternatives. Nevertheless, the current database is useful for identifying non-essential PFAS uses.

Substituting a toxic chemical is the most effective way to reduce its risk. Plastic manufacturers can make informed decisions with in-depth information about PFAS functions and alternatives. That way, manufacturers can minimize changes in the manufacturing process and products, along with unforeseen consequences. As PFAS is increasingly regulated and phased out, this information will be essential to researchers and manufacturers. The database is freely available for download on Zenodo and will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.