PFAS: Definitions

At least 23 states have adopted a scientifically grounded definition of PFAS as organic chemicals containing “at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.” This definition is also consistent with the one adopted in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2020 and the definition used by the Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development (OECD), an international agency dedicated to promoting economic growth, prosperity and sustainable development. Over 150 PFAS scientists and researchers from across the world have reaffirmed that this definition is the accurate and scientific definition of PFAS.

Definitions that exempt certain PFAS including fluoropolymers or fluorinated gasses can result in increased proliferation of PFAS. Fluoropolymers can be thought of as plasticized PFAS and are used in many consumer products like nonstick cookware and appliances. These chemicals degrade over time, polluting groundwater and drinking water, and ultimately are found in humans.  

Fluorinated gasses are just as problematic as other PFAS. These gasses are used in refrigerators, heat pumps and electronics. They travel on air currents and degrade into potent water contaminants called TFAs. The levels of TFAs in water have actually increased over the last 20 years due, in part, to the proliferation of fluorinated gasses.

Pitting climate sustainability against public health is a false dichotomy and should be rejected. 

Some defenders of PFAS claim that these dangerous chemicals are needed to achieve climate sustainability, claiming that some PFAS aren’t as harmful as others. But PFAS are PFAS and trying to justify the continued use of PFAS in the name of sustainability isn’t just wrong, it is dangerous. 

The production of PFAS contributes to the climate crisis, with just one factory producing greenhouse gasses equivalent to 125,000 cars. 

While some types of PFAS are currently used in certain products like refrigerants and heat pumps there are increasingly alternatives available in the marketplace. Given the potential harm from these chemicals, states should set the intention to phase out use in these applications but consider extended timelines to find alternatives and not give exemptions. 

For more on this topic, refer to a blog by Safer States’ allies, NRDC, here.