Scientists Develop Open Database With 500+ Potential PFAS Alternatives

With increasing concerns regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their potential impacts on human health, scientists from the Department of Environmental Science at Stockholm University have compiled a comprehensive database with potential alternatives to these “forever chemicals.”

According to the European Environment Agency, PFAS exposure has been linked to risks of liver damage, thyroid disease and certain types of cancer. It may also impact reproductivity, the immune system and fetal and child development, as reported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

However, these chemicals are particularly effective for waterproofing, stain-proofing, grease-resistance and durability, which is why PFAS are commonly used in food packaging, outdoor recreational gear, firefighting foam and equipment, electronics, non-stick cookware, industrial equipment and more.

To reduce the risks associated with these chemicals, a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology compiles information on potential alternatives to different types of PFAS that could help lead the way to safer substitutions with similarly beneficial properties.

As part of their research, the authors developed a public database called the ZeroPM alternative assessment database that lists out all known uses of PFAS, from cookware to clothing to pharmaceuticals, alongside at least 530 alternative substances that could replace PFAS for specific uses. 

“Our new online database of alternatives for the uses of PFAS highlights 530 potential alternatives and reveals where more innovation is needed,” Ian Cousins, co-author of the study, said in a statement.

So far, the authors have found promising alternatives for 40 use cases, such as for food packaging coatings, and industries can use the database to guide updates to industrial processes using alternatives. Each listing includes the availability for switching to the alternative, making it easier to find the most suitable substitutes for certain applications.

But the authors noted that there are still 83 PFAS applications, namely for plastic- and rubber-related industrial processes, without known safer alternatives, so more research is needed for these cases. Some alternatives currently have no known concerns but will also require further research to confirm there are no safety or environmental risks.

“At this point, the main goal of the database is to provide an open platform on which information on the availability of PFAS-free alternatives is freely available,” the authors wrote. “Such efforts could be useful for companies willing to phase out their uses of PFAS by providing them with information on the types of alternatives that are already in use. Furthermore, the information in the database can help the authorities to identify uses of PFAS where alternatives are still lacking and should be the focus of their time and resources for further research.”

“Proper alternative assessments for specific uses should still be performed to evaluate the potential trade-offs of phasing out PFAS,” they concluded.