The term PFAS (for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is general, and it does not inform whether a compound is harmful or not but only that the substances share the same molecular structure.
The motivation behind the OECD report is to have a general and consistent definition of PFASs. Moreover, the definition will make it easier for non-experts to distinguish between PFASs and non-PFASs. Among the most well-known PFASs are PFOS and PFOA, which are hazardous to health and persistent in the environment.
The OECD recommended definition:
- “PFASs are defined as fluorinated substances that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom (without any H/Cl/Br/I atom attached to it), i.e. with a few noted exceptions, any chemical with at least a perfluorinated methyl group (–CF3) or a perfluorinated methylene group (–CF2–) is a PFAS.”
The OECD report Reconciling Terminology of the Universe of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Recommendations and Practical Guidance gives a comprehensive overview of PFASs. It further includes useful chapters on practical guidance on how to use the PFAS terminology and a standardized approach for systematic characterisation and categorisation of PFASs based on molecular structural traits.
For more information on PFASs, please contact:
Helle Buchardt Boyd
hbb@dhigroup.com
Tel +45 4516 9097
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