Understanding Forever Chemicals Contamination in India

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Key takeaways

PFAS are called forever chemicals because their strong carbon-fluorine bonds prevent them from breaking down in nature.
The IARC classifies PFOA as Group 1 and PFOS as Group 2B based on their health risks.
PFHxS is a persistent chemical specifically listed under the Stockholm Convention.
Exposure to these chemicals is linked to serious health issues including thyroid dysfunction and certain cancers.
India needs to update its BIS water-quality standards to better monitor and manage PFAS contamination.

Recent research studies in India show that drinking water, sewage, and coastal waters are contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are commonly known as forever chemicals.

PFAS is a group of thousands of man-made chemicals. They contain very strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which means they do not break down easily in nature.

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) was used to make non-stick coatings and fluoropolymers. The IARC has placed it in Group 1.
Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) is found in firefighting foams, metal plating, and products that repel stains. The IARC classifies it as Group 2B.
Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS) is used in industrial surfactants and firefighting foams. The Stockholm Convention lists it as a chemical that lasts long and builds up in living organisms.
Perfluorocarboxylic Acids and Fluorotelomers include various PFAS compounds. Some of these act as precursors that eventually turn into very persistent perfluoroalkyl acids.

These chemicals have extreme stability because of their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This makes them resistant to heat and bacteria, so they stay in the environment for a long time.
They move easily through the environment. Some PFAS dissolve in water and travel through rivers, groundwater, and ocean currents to reach far-off ecosystems.
Common water treatment methods do not work well against them. Standard filtration and chlorination cannot remove many PFAS, and some treatments might even turn precursors into more persistent forms.
These chemicals build up in the body. They accumulate in the liver and blood, and their concentration increases as they move up the food chain in land and water animals.
They pose several health risks. Exposure can lead to thyroid problems, high cholesterol, lower vaccine effectiveness, developmental issues, and certain types of cancer.

This situation shows that India needs to monitor PFAS more closely. The country needs drinking water standards based on risk to support the current BIS water-quality rules.
It helps India meet its goals under the Stockholm Convention. This includes limiting the use of listed PFAS and switching to safer industrial options.