Poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a large group of organofluorine compounds that have been widely used in a range of consumer products and industrial applications including stain-resistant and non-stick coatings and as surfactants in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF).

Due to the negative effects of these substances on human health and the environment, the EU POPs Regulation was amended in 2020. This introduced new restrictions on the use of PFOA and PFOA-related substances. Additionally, several other PFAS are on the REACH list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).

In order to raise awareness of this issue, CTC has been commissioned by the EPA to develop an infographic on PFAs for use by the general public.

CTC has recent experience of PFAS, having prepared revised guidance on PFAS in fire-fighting foams and an accompanying infographic and poster for EPA. Additionally, CTC has significant expertise and extensive local knowledge regarding industrial processes (past and present), environmental regulation and activity data sources pertinent to the development of Ireland POPs inventories back to 1990. CTC has worked on numerous emission inventories having compiled the first NMVOC and fluorinated gas emission inventories for Ireland, and subsequently the renewed inventories for these gases and for heavy metals (in conjunction with AEA).

CTC also has developed great experience of the use of visual communication to explain complex environmental issues simply and clearly.

The infographic will include the following information:

• What are PFAS;
• PFAS sources, pathways and receptors – including information on everyday uses/sources of PFAS and the health & environmental effects of PFAS;
• What is being done about PFAS including EU restrictions & policies and what the EPA is doing;
• What the public can do about PFAS; and
• Sources of relevant information.