FOREVER CHEMICALS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)
Context: In a major breakthrough aimed at managing the long-term environmental impact of anthropogenic activity, American researchers have found a method to be able to trace the origin and the destination of forever chemicals.
Forever Chemicals
- Definition: Forever chemicals, or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), encompass over 9,000 synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s.
- Persistence: These chemicals are termed “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation in the environment and human body.
- Common Types of PFAS:
o PFOA: Perfluorooctanoic acid, a well-known type of PFAS.
o PFOS: Perfluorooctane sulfonate, another extensively studied PFAS compound.
- Unique Properties: PFAS are characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them resistant to heat, water, oil, and stains.
- Common Applications: They are used in nonstick cookware (e.g., Teflon), water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, food packaging (e.g., microwave popcorn bags), firefighting foams, and cosmetics.
- Impact:
o Exposure Routes: PFAS exposure can occur through contaminated water, food, air, and consumer products.
o Health Concerns: Health issues linked to PFAS include increased cholesterol levels, altered liver enzymes, decreased vaccine response in children, elevated cancer risks (kidney and testicular), pregnancy complications, and thyroid disease.
o Contamination Spread: PFAS contamination is widespread, affecting water sources, soil, and wildlife.
o Longevity and Risks: Their persistence in the environment poses long-term ecological risks, as they can remain for thousands of years without degrading.
