Pooling knowledge, reducing PFAS Minimizing Chemical Pollution from F-gases
Grantee(s)
- Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. (DUH)
Duration
2023-09-15 till 2025-09-14
Location
Germany, Belgium, Sweden, EU countries from the implementing partners’ NGO network
Funding Amount
379,438.00 €
Project partner(s)
European Environmental Bureau (EEB)
International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec)
[Translate to English:] Thema
Chemikalienpolitik
Copyright: iStock/Unya-MT
Project background
With regard to chemical pollution, the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) presents one significant part of the problem. PFAS are also known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they cannot degrade naturally in the environment and therefore accumulate increasingly in our ecosystems. Experts worldwide, including the European Environment and Chemicals Agencies, are expressing their concerns, citing PFAS’ negative effects on human and environmental health.
The largest share of PFAS emissions derive from fluorinated gases (F-gases) that are mainly used as refrigerants in cooling and heating applications. In contrast to some PFAS applications that may be difficult to replace currently, F-gas applications can be substituted well with climate- and environmentally friendly solutions based on natural alternatives like CO2, ammonia, hydrocarbons or even water. These alternative technologies are already available for widespread use, however, lacking awareness among policymakers and users is hindering their establishment.
The specific environmental issue for F-gases is mainly caused by their degradation product trifluoroacetate (TFA). Particularly next-generation F-gases (hydrofluoroolefins) degrade into TFA in high amounts and are increasingly being released into the environment. TFA is a very persistent and very mobile substance threatening the integrity of the water cycle, thereby affecting ecosystems and drinking water resources. Due to its properties, it is not degradable under environmental conditions and it is hardly possible to remove it from water. Following the precautionary principle, it is indispensable to minimize and stop TFA enrichment as quickly as possible.
Project goals and measures
The starting point of the project is to gather the knowledge and experience of the project partners and spread it to other countries and organisations in an already existing EU-wide network of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Thereby, the project will build EU-wide capacity within NGOs to address PFAS pollution by F-gases, by raising awareness, putting the issue higher on EU and national decision-makers’ agendas.
The NGO network will also use information material developed by the project to reach out to different target groups: the public, skilled workers and associations, investors, water suppliers, political and industry actors. Information about the issue of PFAS, available natural alternatives and possible regulatory steps will be presented. Moreover, common misinformation used to prevent a switch to environmentally friendly solutions will be debunked. An effective, solution-oriented communication strategy will thus increase stakeholders’ awareness and capacity to act