{"id":5584,"date":"2024-09-25T10:49:02","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T13:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grupoep.com.br\/pfas-from-development-to-regulation\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T09:50:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T12:50:25","slug":"pfas-do-desenvolvimento-a-regulamentacao","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grupoep.com.br\/en\/artigos\/pfas-do-desenvolvimento-a-regulamentacao\/","title":{"rendered":"PFAS: from development to regulation"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The<\/span> PFAS <\/b>known as “eternal chemicals,” have been present in our daily lives and in a variety of products since the 1940s. <\/span><\/p>

With uncontrolled and unregulated production of these substances, there have been a number of events throughout history that have led to various complications for human and animal health, as well as environmental contamination. Since these events occurred, reference limit values have been established for PFAS found in waste. <\/span><\/p>

What are PFAS?<\/b><\/p>

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic substances that have bonds between the carbon and fluorine atoms in their structure, capable of repelling water and grease, thus creating a molecule that is highly resistant to degradation, which gives them the name “forever chemicals”. <\/span><\/p>

These unique properties make PFAS essential components in applications ranging from non-stick utensils such as frying pans to essential materials in high-tech industries such as aerospace and automotive.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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They are commonly found in non-stick cookware, food packaging, waterproof materials and clothing, fire-fighting foams, stain-resistant carpets, fabric or leather coatings, floor waxes, among others.<\/span><\/p>

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Impacts of PFAS on health and the environment<\/b><\/h3>

PFAS are considered to be substances that bioaccumulate, i.e. they remain in the body or the environment for years without degrading. Thus, even if an individual has a low amount of exposure to PFAS, this still becomes a cause for concern over time. <\/span><\/p>

According to the <\/span>National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey<\/span><\/i> (NHANES), around 97% of the US population has detectable levels of PFAS in their bodies. Studies carried out over the years show that PFAS have a harmful effect on the health of humans and animals. <\/span><\/p>

These effects, which range from hormonal changes to increased cancer risks, highlight the urgent need for regulation and monitoring of these substances.<\/span><\/p>

Exposure to these substances can occur through direct contact with the products, through the air, through food consumed or drinking water contaminated by some type of PFAS.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Photo: KatMoys\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The risks associated with these substances also depend on a number of factors, such as frequency, dose, duration of exposure, the body’s sensitivity and access to quality drinking water. The harmful effects on health described in some scientific studies include: <\/span><\/p>