Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their high persistence in the environment and resistance to degradation. PFAS are used in various industrial and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. These chemicals have been linked to various health and environmental concerns, and a recent study by Oxford University has found high levels of PFAS in the ice around Norway’s Svalbard, posing a significant risk to the region’s wildlife.
The Study
The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, analyzed ice cores taken from Svalbard, an archipelago located between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The researchers found 26 types of PFAS compounds, including some that are not typically used in commercial products. These chemicals can be passed to ecosystems once the ice melts, which can affect the health of wildlife in the region.
PFAS have been detected in other parts of the world, including the Arctic, but this study is the first to find such high levels of PFAS in Svalbard’s ice. The authors of the study believe that the PFAS found in Svalbard likely originated from sources thousands of kilometers away and were transported to the region by atmospheric currents. This highlights the need for global action to reduce the use and release of PFAS into the environment.
Health and Environmental Concerns
PFAS are known to accumulate in living organisms, including humans, and have been linked to various health concerns, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in infants and children. These chemicals are also harmful to the environment and have been shown to affect wildlife, including fish and birds, causing reproductive and developmental problems.
The high levels of PFAS
The high levels of PFAS found in Svalbard’s ice are particularly concerning because the region is home to a range of wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and marine mammals such as whales and seals. These animals are at risk of ingesting PFAS through their diet, and the long-term effects of exposure to these chemicals are still not fully understood.
Regulatory Action
There have been increasing efforts to regulate the use and release of PFAS into the environment. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for two types of PFAS in drinking water. However, this level is not legally enforceable, and some experts believe it is too high.
In the European Union, PFAS are regulated under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation. PFAS that are considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) are subject to strict controls, including a ban on their use in firefighting foam, which is a significant source of PFAS contamination.
