Scientists Warn Against Attempts To Change Definition of 'Forever Chemicals' (theguardian.com)
(Tuesday June 10, 2025 @11:28AM (msmash)
from the PSA dept.)
- Reference: 0177998029
- News link: https://science.slashdot.org/story/25/06/10/1528243/scientists-warn-against-attempts-to-change-definition-of-forever-chemicals
- Source link: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/10/scientists-warn-against-attempts-to-change-definition-of-forever-chemicals-pfas
A group of 20 internationally renowned scientists have [1]issued a strong warning against attempts to narrow the definition of "forever chemicals" in what they describe as a politically or economically motivated effort to weaken regulation of the potentially harmful chemicals. From a report:
> Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used for their oil-, water- and stain-resistant properties in a range of consumer and industrial products from waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams and electronics.
>
> Their molecular structure makes them resistant to degradation, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." In the last few years there has been growing awareness of the problems associated with Pfas, and a push for more stringent regulation, resulting in the banning of certain forms. A group of scientists are now raising the alarm about efforts, including by some individuals and groups in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUpac), to narrow the current international definition of Pfas in ways that could exclude certain chemical subgroups.
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/10/scientists-warn-against-attempts-to-change-definition-of-forever-chemicals-pfas
> Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used for their oil-, water- and stain-resistant properties in a range of consumer and industrial products from waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams and electronics.
>
> Their molecular structure makes them resistant to degradation, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." In the last few years there has been growing awareness of the problems associated with Pfas, and a push for more stringent regulation, resulting in the banning of certain forms. A group of scientists are now raising the alarm about efforts, including by some individuals and groups in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUpac), to narrow the current international definition of Pfas in ways that could exclude certain chemical subgroups.
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/10/scientists-warn-against-attempts-to-change-definition-of-forever-chemicals-pfas
Keep the broad definition (Score:2)
by PPH ( 736903 )
... but break the automatic and highly political association between "harm" and persistance.
There are a lot of harmful compounds out there. Many are naturally occuring. But the up side to many of them is that they decompose and are removed from the environment. PFAS are one class of compounds that are persistant. Meaning that, if we screw up and formulate a harmful one, it is going to be around for a long time. A special effort should be made to evaluate its effects.
I'd also like to see the definition of
"Forever chemical" (Score:3)
That's also a political term, and not a scientific one.
Re: "Forever chemical" (Score:2)
You're not wrong but that's not the point. From the article, there's apparently already a scientific chemical definition. The issue is that this new group is trying to apply a different, pro-economy definition pretty much to evade regulations. "Forever chemicals" is just the public-facing name used by media to shorthand what they're about.