The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
Men's Weekly

.

Controversial ‘forever chemicals’ could be phased out in Australia under new restrictions. Here’s what you need to know

  • Written by Sarah Wilson, PhD Candidate in Nanotechnology & Innovation Governance, University of Technology Sydney
Controversial ‘forever chemicals’ could be phased out in Australia under new restrictions. Here’s what you need to know

There’s growing global concern about potential risks to human health and the environment from a group of industrial chemicals commonly known as PFAS, or “forever chemicals”.

While the full extent of harm from PFAS is still emerging, the fact these chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in the body is alarming enough. Some scientists believe they will never break down[1].

Until now, Australia has not restricted the trade or use of most PFAS chemicals. But that’s about to change.

The federal government intends to stop the import, manufacture and use of some types of PFAS within two years. We want to raise awareness and encourage industry to be proactive about finding alternatives. The sooner industry acts on this, the faster we can eliminate PFAS from the products we use and our waste. With untold benefits for people and our planet.

Read more: PFAS might be everywhere – including toilet paper – but let's keep the health risks in context[2]

Hang on, what is PFAS again?

PFAS (or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a group of around 9,000[3] individual chemical compounds found in many everyday products.

These complex substances are made by joining carbon and fluorine atoms, creating one of the strongest bonds in organic chemistry. As a result, they are stain-resistant, water-resistant, grease-resistant and heat-resistant. That makes them enormously useful in products such as food packaging, non-stick cookware, semiconductors and other electronics, refrigerants, stain or waterproof textiles and cosmetics. PFAS has even been found in toilet paper[4].

But PFAS chemicals also appear to be toxic. They have been linked to a range of human[5] and environmental health problems[6].

The use of potentially hazardous chemicals such as PFAS also undermines recycling and the circular economy[7]. Compost made from food and garden organics may be contaminated[8] through packaging and other sources. PFAS in sewage also challenges the use of biosolids[9] as fertiliser on farms.

Read more: 'Forever chemicals' have made their way to farms. For now, levels in your food are low – but there's no time to waste[10]

What is changing and what will this mean?

The federal government recently reviewed the industrial chemical regulatory frameworks protecting human and environmental health. As a result, the federal, state and territory governments established the new Australian Industrial Chemical Environmental Management Standard[11] in 2021.

Chemicals with industrial applications are placed into one of seven categories[12] or “schedules”, according to the level of environmental risk they represent. The standard sets out the measures required to manage such risks.

Schedule 7 is reserved for industrial chemicals likely to cause serious or irreversible harm to the environment.

Last month, the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water announced its intention[13] to regulate three groups of PFAS chemicals and pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) under Schedule 7.

This means businesses will have to stop importing, manufacturing or using these PFAS groups, either as bulk chemicals or in consumer products.

Schedule 7 also states “no essential uses[14]”. This means the chemicals cannot be used, even when it is necessary for the health, safety or functioning of society, or when there are no other available alternatives.

The timing of the proposed Australian restrictions aligns with the EU phase-out[15]. The United States[16] and Canada[17] are also pursuing similar action.

Increasingly, countries are pursuing coordinated regulatory actions that will shift market standards around industrial chemical use and management.

What should business do?

At this stage, research indicates[18] low levels of industry awareness and action globally. Industry risks being caught short, facing the economic and administrative consequences of compliance when new rules come into effect.

Phasing out potentially hazardous chemicals such as PFAS will require careful consideration of both risk and technical function. In many cases, products have been designed around these chemicals. This means substitutions will need to be found. However, businesses also need to be aware of the potential for “regrettable substitution”, where a potentially hazardous chemical is replaced by a similar, but lesser-known chemical that also threatens human health and the environment.

There are some tools available to help find safe alternatives. For example, the European non-government organisation ChemSec has compiled a database[19] of hazardous chemicals that are likely to be regulated in future, if not already, and a marketplace[20] for safe substitutions.

In some cases, avoiding regrettable substitution will necessitate rethinking how the function of a product can be delivered in an entirely new way.

Market-leading businesses are experimenting with recent advances in engineering, material sciences, and technology to redesign products without hazardous chemicals.

For example, outdoor-wear companies have redesigned textiles to deliver waterproof products without PFAS chemicals. The North Face has started using an advanced material called “FUTURELIGHT[21]”, which uses nanotechnology to create a waterproof nano-fibre structure. Helly Hansen introduced “Lifa Infinity Pro[22]” that uses advanced textile engineering to create a hydrophobic (water-hating) material, without having to add chemicals.

Emerging new services design-out problematic products entirely. For example, reusable food packaging services[23], intended to address the environmental impacts of single-use-packaging, generally use reusable materials such as stainless steel that do not require hazardous chemicals to function.

In support of industry action, governments industry, universities and non-governmental organisations are helping support better chemical management. For example, ChemSec has convened an Investor Initiative on Hazardous Chemicals[24] to help reduce the impacts of hazardous chemicals, while also reducing financial risks to investors. Or in Australia, the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence[25] is providing tools[26] for business and government to ensure safe, clean supply chains.

Governments also have a role to play in helping business transition away from hazardous chemicals. They can encourage business to take a whole-of-system approach to reducing chemicals across supply chains. This might involve tracking and tracing mechanisms, certification and labelling, or supporting research into safer alternatives[27].

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is inviting feedback on the proposed scheduling decisions[28] before submissions close on September 1 this year. The government says feedback will help Australian governments and businesses to better manage the environmental risks of these chemicals.

Read more: You've read the scary headlines – but rest assured, your cookware is safe[29]

References

  1. ^ never break down (pubs.acs.org)
  2. ^ PFAS might be everywhere – including toilet paper – but let's keep the health risks in context (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ 9,000 (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ toilet paper (www.theguardian.com)
  5. ^ human (setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  6. ^ environmental health problems (www.mdpi.com)
  7. ^ circular economy (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org)
  8. ^ contaminated (www.sciencedirect.com)
  9. ^ biosolids (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ 'Forever chemicals' have made their way to farms. For now, levels in your food are low – but there's no time to waste (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ Industrial Chemical Environmental Management Standard (www.dcceew.gov.au)
  12. ^ one of seven categories (www.dcceew.gov.au)
  13. ^ intention (www.dcceew.gov.au)
  14. ^ no essential uses (treaties.un.org)
  15. ^ EU phase-out (eur-lex.europa.eu)
  16. ^ United States (www.whitehouse.gov)
  17. ^ Canada (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ research indicates (www.uts.edu.au)
  19. ^ database (sinlist.chemsec.org)
  20. ^ marketplace (marketplace.chemsec.org)
  21. ^ FUTURELIGHT (thenorthface.com.au)
  22. ^ Lifa Infinity Pro (hellyhansen.com.au)
  23. ^ reusable food packaging services (theconversation.com)
  24. ^ Investor Initiative on Hazardous Chemicals (chemsec.org)
  25. ^ Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence (stewardshipexcellence.com.au)
  26. ^ tools (stewardshipexcellence.com.au)
  27. ^ safer alternatives (www.turi.org)
  28. ^ feedback on the proposed scheduling decisions (consult.dcceew.gov.au)
  29. ^ You've read the scary headlines – but rest assured, your cookware is safe (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/controversial-forever-chemicals-could-be-phased-out-in-australia-under-new-restrictions-heres-what-you-need-to-know-210697

Times Magazine

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

CNC Machining Meets Stage Design - Black Swan State Theatre Company & Tommotek

When artistry meets precision engineering, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tommotek worked alongside the Black Swan State Theatre Company on several of their innovative stage productions. With tight deadlines and intrica...

The Times Features

Running Across Australia: What Really Holds the Body Together?

How William Goodge’s 3,800km run reveals the connection between movement, mindset, and mental resilience As a business owner, I’ve come to realise that the biggest wins rarely com...

Telehealth is Transforming Healthcare Services in Australia

It has traditionally not been easy to access timely healthcare in Australia, particularly for people who live in remote areas. Many of them spend hours on the road just to see a...

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across Talent-Led Marketing

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent management agency Huume from IZEA. The move comes as the medi...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietna...

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home se...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in—it’s your safety net when ...