Fiches info

Les substances per- et polyfluoroalkylées (PFAS) sont au centre de nombreuses préoccupations toxicologiques et environnementales ainsi que de scandales réglementaires depuis deux décennies. Des recherches antérieures ont mis en évidence une longue histoire d’obstruction active, de diversion (« science bending ») et de manipulation réglementaire par les plus grandes entreprises du secteur de l’halogénation, en lien avec l’appauvrissement de la couche d’ozone et la toxicité de certains tensioactifs fluorés (PFOS et PFOA).

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been at the center of numerous toxicological and environmental concerns and regulatory scan- dals for two decades. Previous research has shown a long history of active obfuscation, misdirection (‘science bending’) and regulatory manipulation by the largest halogenation businesses, related to the depletion of the ozone layer and the toxicity of some fluorinated surfactants (PFOS and PFOA). We screened publications for potential evidence of other strategies of deception and obfuscated information regarding PFAS and fluoropolymers. A directed effort was identified to influence the scientific understanding of the environmental source and effects of ultrashort PFAS, especially trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Critical issues in the current analytical approach to PFAS monitoring were identified, as well as evidence of a silently abandoned “total organofluoride” technique. The non-specific character of the production, incineration and degradation processes is discussed, inc