Picture this: it's 1938 and industries are celebrating a major breakthrough. A new compound has been discovered by a 27-year-old research chemist named Roy J Plunkett that promises to revolutionize everyday products. Decades pass and this innovative compound - Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) - becomes just one member of a large group of chemicals we now classify as PFAS.
PFAS quietly embed themselves into our lives and everyday tasks seem to become more convenient. Our eggs are no longer sticking to our pans thanks to Teflon coatings and we can now take a walk in the rain and stay dry because of our waterproof Scotchgard jackets. From cookware, clothing and cosmetics to fabrics, cleaning products, paper and packaging, PFAS are pervasive. But there’s something quite different about these innovative chemicals. They’re not going away.
A call to action for a safer future
As we now know, PFAS are essentially indestructible. What made these compounds so appealing in the first place is more or less why they’re problematic: Their resiliency. PFAS linger in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even in our bodies and the bodies of our beloved pets. In fact, according to a recent study by the US Geological Survey, “At least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have one or more types of the chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS.”
This is bad news, as certain types of PFAs have been linked to serious health problems like:
- Cancer
- Liver damage
- Fertility issues
- High cholesterol
- Weakened immunity.
What’s more, since there are thousands of different PFAS (many of which haven’t even been studied yet) we don’t yet fully understand how harmful they all may be.
Gone are the days of blissful ignorance and reckless carelessness. Governments around the globe are creating regulations to ban PFAs and encourage safer alternatives. In the USA, there have been a number of measures undertaken to combat the threat of PFAS.
For organizations today, the complicated legacy of PFAS poses an urgent question: What is our responsibility in addressing the impact of these substances? PFAS mitigation should be a top priority for all. Not just to keep your workplace safe and reduce environmental harm, but also to avoid legal troubles and financial headaches.
While getting rid of PFAS can be a complicated process, there are some key measures you can take. Read on to find out our top five suggestions for how to avoid PFAS.
1. Find out the source of PFAS and assess your exposure
Determine where PFAS are found within your organization. If you can’t locate them, how can you deal with them? You’ll want to take a thorough look at your entire operational footprint, product lifecycle, and strategy. Examine your workplace and the surrounding areas. Check your processes, materials, and suppliers for any signs of PFAS.
Use the Safety Data Sheets in EcoOnline’s Chemical Manager software to help you identify PFAS and keep a running list of exposures. Get instant access to up-to-date SDSs so you can quickly check products, hazards, and risk levels. For a faster read, we offer Safety Protection Sheets – short, easy-to-digest versions of the SDS.
Take a look at your PFAS inventory to understand the potential risks they pose. Consider enlisting the help of consultants or toxicologists for a professional analysis.
2. See if you can substitute the hazardous chemicals for safer alternatives
Try and adjust your processes so that you no longer rely on PFAS. Or, replace PFAS with products that use safer chemicals. If you need something similar to PFAS, there are plenty of non-toxic options available. Train employees on these improved procedures. Carry out testing to assess their performance and effectiveness. As always, use your findings to make adjustments wherever necessary.
If you have to use PFAS, it’s important to minimize the risks as much as possible. Make sure employees are trained to handle hazardous chemicals safely. Keep everyone in the loop with a solid communications plan. Anyone working with PFAS or other dangerous chemicals should always wear PPE.
3. Create a PFAS Management Policy
To make sure your organization is prioritizing PFAS safety at every step, develop a comprehensive PFAS management policy. Outline your goals and commitments regarding PFAS usage and management. See that your policy aligns with all laws and regulations.
Effectively communicate this policy to all employees. Assign roles to key personnel for help with enforcing the policy and monitoring the workplace for compliance. Your policy should be frequently reviewed and adapted in consideration of new regulations.
4: Educate and engage employees
Your hard work on the steps above requires communication in order to be effective. Make sure that the information reaches the people that need it most. Raise awareness on PFAS, their risks, and your strategies for handling these through informational sessions and other internal comms.
Give workers the chance to get involved by creating committees or groups focused on PFAS mitigation. Ensure there are channels for employees to provide feedback and have their questions answered. Promote a culture of safety that aims for the best possible working environment for all employees.
5. Monitor, report, and make continuous improvements
Regularly test for PFAS in products and the environment around you. Collect data related to PFAS usage and exposure and look for vulnerabilities, trends, and areas for improvement. Keep stakeholders updated on your processes to maintain transparency. EcoOnline makes regular and thorough reporting effortless. Use the information you gather to refine policies and procedures and make sure your PFAS risk management protocols are always up to scratch.
Smarter, safer chemical choices
Managing your chemical safety responsibilities just got easier with EcoOnline. Our cloud-based Chemical Management software helps your team make smarter, safer chemical choices while keeping you on top of compliance. We streamline the data so you’re always informed and empowered to make the best choices for your organization.