A recent review report on per- and polyfluorinated alkanes (PFCs) revealed that there is a considerable lack of physicochemical data on a large proportion of these substances. However, there are indications that they can cause serious toxicity and harm to human and animal health.
The aim of the project was to obtain further information on how PFCs are used and released in the Nordic countries and the Arctic. The summary report was prepared by Matís in collaboration with a group of experts in the Nordic countries, for KLIF (Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency) and the Nordic Chemistry Group (NKG), which is part of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Affect reproduction
PFC materials are a very large and complex group of organic substances that have diverse functions. They have been produced for about 50 years by chemical synthesis, but they are not formed by nature. They are widely used in industry and in homes. Their use has so far been considered safe and therefore considerable. However, scientists' concerns began to arise when the widespread distribution of the substances was discovered in the environment (including polar bears), especially in light of research suggesting that PFCs may, for example, affect reproduction and that they degrade particularly slowly in nature.
Following these discoveries, the EU's attention has now been focused on examining the use and classification of these substances. The OECD has registered a total of 853 different fluoride compounds and more will be added to the group. This figure indicates that a number of more fluorinated substances are used today, at the same time as little is known about the sources of the substances and even less about their distribution and environmental impact.
The project work was divided into three main components. First, an analysis of the main per- and polyfluorinated substances and their use in various industries in the Nordic market. Secondly, an analysis of possible emissions and impacts in the Nordic environment and thirdly, a summary of knowledge about the toxicity of priority substances in this survey. The effects on both humans and animals were examined.
Few scientific studies on PFCs
The results show that there is a considerable lack of information on most PFCs in the Nordic market. In very few cases is there accurate market information on their chemical composition, quantity, production and use. However, current legislation does not require the publication of information on certain PFCs. These gaps are due to ignorance and trade secrets. Only a few scientific studies have been conducted on most PFCs in the Nordic environment and little or no research has been done on the effects of the substances on humans. However, animal toxicity studies have shown that individual PFCs can adversely affect normal development, reproduction and the immune system by reducing body weight, causing hepatotoxicity and affecting the endocrine system. sex and thyroid hormones.
When there is toxicity due to PFCs, there is rarely a single substance to blame, but it is usually a mixture of various PFCs mixed with other environmental factors. Future research on PFCs therefore needs to focus on the effects of mixing PFCs and their derivatives. In addition, there is a need for reference material for analysis, data on toxicology and information on their existence in humans and the environment.
The research report was published as a Tema Nord report and can be accessed on the website Nordic Council of Ministers.