Global Performance, Trends, and Challenges for Assessment and Management of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs): A Critical Review

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large and complex group of thousands of synthetic chemicals with different properties such as strong acidity, high surface activity at very low concentrations, high chemical stability, and water and oil repellency. Many PFASs have been used in various industrial and consumer applications based on the desired functionality and production capability, and have consequently emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants of major concern. Recognition that several PFASs are transported globally, bioaccumulate, and exert multiple adverse effects on environmental quality and health has led to their regulation and ultimate phase-out. Despite decades of global management and research on PFAS, fundamental obstacles still remain in addressing worldwide contamination by these chemicals and their associated impacts on environmental quality and human health. Here, we reviewed the global issues, major barriers, and challenges that must be addressed to remedy the “PFAS problem” from scientific, technological, and policy perspectives. A comprehensive review of the latest scientific research and recent legislative developments regarding PFAS will improve the assessment and management of the numerous PFAS on the market in the near future.