The Path of PFAS

While PFAS chemicals come in many configurations, PFOS and PFOA are two of the most troublesome. Image Courtesy: Norwegian Geotechnical Institute

Polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in everyday consumer products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and food packaging. PFAS are used in food packaging film because they are highly resistant to grease and water, helping to keep food fresh longer. Additionally, they help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi on the surface of the packaging. In fact, PFAS are extremely prevalent in the majority of items that provide any form of resistance.

That said, and this isn’t new news, there is glaring concern over the accumulation of PFAS in our environment since one of the elements that make them so effective as a barrier is the fact that they do not degrade quickly in the environment. PFAS will, of course, eventually break down, as will just about any compound known to man, yet they don’t break down in any kind of human-relevant time frame. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS simply keep accumulating and accumulating, and they get directly into our food chain and water.

One primary danger of PFAS is their potential for bioaccumulation in fish populations. Studies have found that some species may accumulate large amounts of PFAS in their fatty tissues due to high exposure levels from contaminated bodies of water or through the consumption of other aquatic organisms, such as plankton or invertebrates that feed on contaminated sediment particles. As these fish are consumed by higher predators like birds, mammals, and humans, there is further potential for toxic buildup, which can be detrimental to human health if consumed regularly or at elevated concentrations. Glaringly, PFAS have been linked to several human health issues, including hormone and immune system disruption and cancer.

What is Being Done about PFAS?

Intending to tackle the growing PFAS crisis, beginning in January 2021, the EPA has taken several bold actions to address the issue. From the Proposed Hazardous Substance Designation for PFOA and PFOS (two common types of PFAS) to a National PFAS Testing Strategy, below is a list of the actions the EPA has taken so far. Each list item links out to the EPA.gov site for greater info. on the issue:

• PFAS Strategic Road Map: EPA

• Industrial Wastewater and Permitting PFAS

• Proposed Hazardous Substance Designation for PFOA and PFOS

• New Drinking Water Health Advisories and $1 Billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding

• National PFAS Testing Strategy Test Order

• Adding Five PFAS to Contaminated Site Cleanup Tables

• Clean Water PFAS Actions

• Expanding PFAS Monitoring in Drinking Water

• Science Advisory Board Review of Draft PFOA/PFOS Scientific Documents

• Initiation of Two Rulemaking Efforts Under RCRA

• Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment for GenX Chemicals

• National PFAS Testing Strategy

• PFBA Toxicity Assessment Released for Public Comment

• Released Preliminary Toxics Release Inventory Data on PFAS

• Rule Development for designating PFOA/PFOS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances

• Expanding Data Collection Efforts on PFAS

• EPA Council on PFAS

• Updated Toxicity Assessment for PFBS

• Robust Review Process for new PFAS

• Establishing a National Primary Drinking Water Standard for PFOA/PFOS

• Planning to Conduct Expanded Nationwide Monitoring for PFAS in Drinking Water

Packaging Alternatives

While PFAS have been used for decades in the food packaging industry, their potential harm to human and environmental health is too great. People are becoming more conscious of what goes into the food they eat and consume. After all, who doesn't want safer products that don't come at the expense of our health? At Portco, we believe it's possible, and we are working with our suppliers to source PFAS alternatives for all of our packaging lines, including EarthGuard and paper. Please engage us in a conversation to learn more about PFAS and what structures we already have that are PFAS-free.

Portco Packaging’s EarthGuard line offers PFAS-free packaging with many other benefits. Image Courtesy: Portco.com

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