What Do We Know About Per- or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)? Issues, Challenges, Regulations, and Possible Alternatives

Per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made compounds involved in compositions of many industrial processes and consumer products. They are categorized into two main families based on their molar mass: though low molar mass products (<1000 Da) are toxic, mobile, bioaccumulable, and cross the human membranes, others of much higher molar masses, e.g., fluorinated macromolecules and especially fluoropolymers, are safe and reliable, do not face such concerns, do not cross the membranes (hence, they are regarded as Polymers of Low Concern), and are involved in many applications including medical products and high-value-added materials and devices. Because the former family has led to a severe global contamination, recent regulating agencies in Europe (REACH) and the USA (EPA) have aimed at restricting fluorochemicals. Recently, consultations from affected organisms and industries have led to more than 5600 answers and comments. This review supplies an update on the overall situation of PFASs, their limitations, regulations, end of life, degradations, and possible alternatives.