An Overview of Potential Alternatives for the Multiple Uses of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in
a wide range
of different industrial and consumer applications. However, due to
their extreme environmental persistence and their impacts on human
and ecosystem health, PFAS have been subject to many regulatory activities,
including initiatives to incentivize industry to transition toward
PFAS-free alternatives. Although efforts have been made to map all
uses of PFAS, work is still needed to provide an overview of their
potential alternatives. Based on the functional substitution approach,
this study develops an online database that documents all known uses
of PFAS, describes the functions provided by PFAS in these uses, lists
potential alternatives that can deliver equivalent or similar functions
to PFAS, and evaluates the suitability of the identified alternatives
to replace PFAS. Overall, the database lists 325 different applications
of PFAS across 18 use categories. In total, 530 PFAS-free alternatives
are identified. Based on a screening of potential concerns of the
identified alternatives, their performance compared to PFAS, and their
availability on the market, it is concluded that potentially suitable
alternatives to PFAS are available for 40 different applications.
For 83 applications, no alternatives could be identified at the time
of the study and should be the focus of further research activities.