The hidden pfas problem that no one is addressing
By Tim Luimes (editor until July 2025), Mira Sys (partner from FTM), | 11 September, 2023
Massive amounts of “ultra short” pfas are everywhere: in the environment, in drinking water and even in beer. These potentially dangerous substances have remained under the radar for a long time because they are very difficult to measure. It is not yet clear how toxic they are – they are not covered by pfas in the U.S., for example – but their unprecedented rapid spread worries scientists. “We need to do something now.”
Researchers warn of a burgeoning crisis of “ultra-short” pfas. These are potentially dangerous. They are part of the more than 10,000-member pfas family that is harmful to health and the environment.
The short pfas variants cause about half of the total exposure to pfas from drinking water from the ground. Consequently, these substances are included in the European proposal for a ban on pfas, but it is going to take years before a restriction is in place, and the industry is fiercely resisting stricter measures. According to scientists, however, action must be taken quickly.
Read the full story on FTM (in Dutch).
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