Policy Solutions

Sustainable PFAS Action Network (SPAN)

Creating regulations that treat all PFAS compounds as the same, or impose blanket restrictions on uses, would have devastating economic and safety consequences for the United States. Sustainable management of PFAS compounds enable continued economic advancement using a science– and risk-based approach to effectively administer regulations that protect consumers.

PFAS Compound Management Principles

  • Use Appropriate Definitions
    Use specific and targeted definitions of PFAS compounds and products based on risk including toxicity, bioaccumulation and exposure profiles to regulate use. Acceptable compounds and products that have been developed to comply with human health and environmental regulations should not be unwittingly impacted. Most experts agree that it is inappropriate to assume equal toxicity/potency across the broad grouping of PFAS compounds for human health risk assessment. 

  • Leverage Science- and Risk-Based Approaches
    Leverage scientific research to guide PFAS compound regulations consistently at the federal level, basing any use restrictions on a risk-based approach that takes into consideration specific risk, exposure and toxicokinetic properties of affected substances. Managing PFAS compounds with a class-based approach requires making unsubstantiated assumptions and stifles the scientific innovation required to develop next-generation technologies and improve consumer and industrial products.

  • Identify Health and Environmental Impacts
    Identify categories of PFAS compounds that are most commonly manufactured and used to ensure that credible data and assessments are available concerning the categories’ health and environmental impacts.

  • Allow Sufficient Transition Timeframes
    When a PFAS compound is scientifically identified as a PBT substance and a feasible alternative exists, allow sufficient time to transition to replacement chemicals, which requires significant research and adaption of existing supply chains that are still strained from the global pandemic.

  • Permit Essential Use Considerations
    Ensure overly broad definitions and burdensome regulations do not impact PFAS compound uses that have critical functions in modern society without negatively impacting human and environmental health.