‍ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH RISKS

Because of their persistence, PFAS can accumulate in soil, water, and the food chain and persist there for several centuries. They are difficult to degrade but also highly bioaccumulative and toxic.

Health risks they pose include hormonal disorders, elevated cholesterol levels, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of cancer. These risks have led to an increased focus from regulators worldwide. [2]

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REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is planning a complete ban on all PFAS, which is expected from around mid-2025. [3] Companies have a transition period of 18 months to find and implement PFAS-free alternatives. The most important regulations include:

• REACH regulation: Restriction of production and distribution of substances containing PFAS.
• EU F-gas regulation: Reducing emissions from fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Manufacturers and construction companies must switch to PFAS-free alternatives to meet regulatory requirements and promote greener solutions.

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EFFECTS OF A PHASE-OUT

According to EPEA GmbH — Part of Drees & Sommer, a phase-out (ban) of PFAS is very likely due to the regulatory process and could have far-reaching effects on many building materials. Companies should prepare for these changes to remain compliant and competitive.

PFAS substitutes that enable manufacturers to declare their product as PFAS free must be critically examined, as these new alternatives can be similarly hazardous to the environment and health, but are just not yet regulated.

And the phase-out (ban) of PFAS not only has an impact on the manufacturers themselves. This also affects systems of technical building equipment, as alternative refrigerants must be used and this can have a direct effect on the planning and other systems in the building.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION

• Promoting sustainable materials: Companies should switch to PFAS-free alternatives to meet legal requirements and minimize health risks. In the case of KM, natural KM (propane, CO2, ammonia, water) should be used.
• Regulatory adjustment: Strategic adjustment to new regulations is necessary.
• research and development: Investments in research and development of PFAS-free materials are essential. Substitute should be safe and harmless to health.
• Use of consulting services and eco-labels: More use should be made of material-ecological advisory services to facilitate the transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives. Accordingly, EPEA offers ecological consulting services in this regard. Eco-labels that have already addressed and exclude PFAS (e.g. GreenScreen, Blue Angel, Declare — Red List Free, Nordic Swan and C2Ccertified*) provide a good initial guide.

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SUMMARY

PFAS pose a significant environmental risk due to their widespread use and persistence. An upcoming ban will affect many building materials, which is why proactive action and the search for sustainable alternatives are essential. Companies that adapt to these changes in good time

Recruiting will not only meet legal requirements, but will also make an important contribution to environmental protection.

EPEA will keep you up to date: If there are significant changes in the regulatory framework, the fact sheet will be updated.

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LITERATURE REFERENCES

[1] Green Screen for Safer Chemicals, “PFAS-Free & Preferred Products,” May 22, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.greenscreenchemicals.org/resources/entry/pfas-free-preferred-products. [Accessed January 02, 2024].

[2] EFSA, “Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food,” EFSA Journal, No. Volume 16, Issue 12, 2018.

[3] ECHA - European Chemicals Agency, “echa.europe.eu,” [online]. Available: https://echa.europa.eu/de/-/echa-publishes-pfas-restriction-proposal. [Accessed June 06, 2024].

*) <1000 ppm allowed up to silver level, but must be replaced; excluded from gold level

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