White House Launches New Federal Strategy to Address PFAS Contamination

On September 3, 2024, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) unveiled a new federal research strategy to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals." This initiative builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to protect communities from PFAS contamination, while supporting the Biden Cancer Moonshot’s mission to reduce Americans' exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products since the 1950s. Found in items such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam, PFAS are highly durable due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them resistant to environmental degradation.

Background:

In recent years, the Biden-Harris Administration has intensified efforts to prevent PFAS releases and expand cleanup initiatives. In March 2023, the PFAS Strategy Team (PFAS ST) released a scientific report identifying research gaps and opportunities that informed the development of a new strategic plan. The report highlighted key areas for future research, including PFAS sources and exposure pathways, toxicity, removal and destruction methods, and safer alternatives to these chemicals.

Strategy:

Building on the 2023 PFAS Report, the PFAS Strategy Team has outlined four key goals for federal research and development on PFAS. These include:

1. Improving scientific data on exposure pathways.
2. Enhancing communication with affected communities and agencies.
3. Identifying technologies to address contamination.
4. Providing information to guide procurement decisions on PFAS-containing products and alternatives to minimize health and environmental risks.

The PFAS ST has identified five key research and development strategies to address existing knowledge gaps on PFAS. These strategies focus on:

1. Understanding PFAS exposure pathways to individuals and communities.
2. Addressing current PFAS measurement challenges through the development of standards, advanced sampling and analytical methods.
3. Understanding the toxicological mechanisms, human and environmental health effects, and risks of PFAS exposure.
4. Developing, evaluating, and demonstrating technologies for the removal, destruction, and disposal of PFAS.
5. Identifying PFAS alternatives and evaluate their human health and environmental effects.

The team also aims to create a comprehensive database of alternative materials and products currently available in the market. This database will include relevant chemical and toxicological data, manufacturers’ production capacities, and performance comparisons between PFAS-containing products and their alternatives.

The successful implementation of this plan will enhance scientific progress and address regulatory, research, and mitigation gaps related to PFAS, while also addressing issues of disproportionate exposure, contamination, and toxicity.