On November 20, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) together with authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, released a detailed report outlining the latest developments in restricting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. The report is based on over 5,600 pieces of scientific and technical feedbacks collected during the public consultation period in 2023, aiming to update and refine the management strategy for PFAS.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) have emerged as a global concern due to their widespread use and persistent nature in the environment. These chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are under increasing scrutiny by regulatory bodies and environmental organizations worldwide. Our upcoming free webinar will delve into the complexities of PFAS, focusing on the latest regulatory updates, testing methodologies, and mitigation strategies. Join us to gain a comprehensive understanding of why PFAS have become a focal point in environmental safety and public health discussions globally.

Japan issued the revision of the Order of Enforcement of Act on the Regulation of Manufacture and Evaluation of Chemical Substances.

This new rule is scheduled to be effective 60 days after its publication. After that, its manufacturers or processors of the 329 PFAS are required to seek EPA review of the activity by submitting a SNUN to EPA and complying with relevant applicable requirements.

On September 28, 2023, U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an important new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requiring manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to provide more data for better regulation. PFASs are a large class of chemically stable organic fluorides known for their water and stain resistance, as well as good insulation. They find extensive use in various industrial sectors, including food packaging, electronics, leather and apparel, construction and household applications, firefighting, and medical supplies. However, PFASs are persistent and migrate in the environment, making them difficult to degrade. They are also called persistent chemicals and have posed a significant threat to human health and the ecological environment.

Minnesota has passed a restriction bill for PFAS with a vote of 72 in favor and 57 against in the House of Representatives, and 35 in favor and 32 against in the Senate. On May 19th, the restriction bill was submitted to the governor. If the bill (HF 2310) becomes law, Minnesota will become the first state in the Midwest to mandate disclosure and comprehensive restrictions on products containing intentionally added PFAS substances.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) refer to substances that contain at least one perfluorinated methyl (CF3-) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom (without any H/CI/Br/I). According to existing data, there are over 10,000 substances that meet this definition.

In October 2021, the US EPA developed a PFAS strategic roadmap. In the absence of comprehensive federal legislation, several states are developing or updating their own PFAS regulations. This article compiles the current regulatory situation. According to the OECD, PFAS are defined as any substance containing at least one perfluorinated methyl (CF3-) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom (with no H/Cl/Br/I attached to that carbon atom). PFAS include thousands of synthetic chemicals such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). PFAS have non-stick, oil-resistant, water-resistant, and grease-resistant properties. Since the 1960s, PFAS have been used in food contact substances (FCS) in the US, including cookware, food processing equipment (such as gaskets and O-rings), processing aids for other FCS (such as reducing buildup on manufacturing equipment), and food packaging (such as a grease-resistant coating).