Quantity of selected PFAS chemicals disposed of or released in the U.S. 2021
In 2021, the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) database documented the disposal and release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals within the United States. The report revealed that perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) had a total of 16.3 thousand pounds disposed of or released by facilities in the U.S. that year, this includes approximately 12.3 thousand pounds disposed of off-site or released elsewhere. Another notable PFAS chemical included within these data is Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX) which had a total of 3.3 thousand pounds disposed of on-site and 10.4 thousand pounds disposed of off-site, resulting in a combined total of 13.6 thousand pounds of on- and off-site disposal or other releases.
PFAS chemicals have been associated with various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, immune system disorders, developmental problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Notably, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOS, which are widely used in many products, have been linked to numerous adverse health effects. While GenX was introduced as a replacement for PFOA due to its perceived lower environmental persistence, it is important to note that the long-term effects and risks associated with its usage are still being investigated.
PFAS chemicals have been associated with various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, immune system disorders, developmental problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Notably, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOS, which are widely used in many products, have been linked to numerous adverse health effects. While GenX was introduced as a replacement for PFOA due to its perceived lower environmental persistence, it is important to note that the long-term effects and risks associated with its usage are still being investigated.
