On June 10, 2025, twenty scientists from institutions across North America, Europe, and Japan, published a statement concerning the definition of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The statement appeared in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
In the publication, these experts specializing in PFAS and the management of chemicals expressed support for the current definition of PFAS as provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to the statement, the OECD definition is “scientifically grounded, unambiguous, and well suited to identify these chemicals.”
The scientists raised concerns about proposals to adopt alternative definitions that would exclude certain fluorinated chemical subgroups. “We are concerned that this effort is politically and/or economically, rather than scientifically, motivated,” they stated (FPF reported).
The authors recommend that governmental and intergovernmental bodies, as well as other stakeholders, continue using the OECD definition rather than developing a new one, as “there is no evidence to indicate that the OECD definition is flawed or problematic, and hence, there is no need for a new PFAS definition.”
In support of this position, the International Panel on Chemical Pollution launched a sign-on campaign for scientists and experts. As of July 15, 2025, the campaign has received nearly 300 signatories from over 40 countries.
References
Sigmund et al. (2025) “Scientists’ statement on the chemical definition of PFASs.” Environmental Science & Technology Letters. DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.5c00478
IPCP (June 10, 2025) “Sign-on campaign: Scientists’ statement on the chemical definition of PFASs.”
Read more
Shannon Kelleher (June 10, 2025) “Alarm sounded over effort to redefine PFAS chemicals.” The New Lede
Rachel Salvidge (June 10, 2025) “Scientists warn against attempts to change definition of ‘forever chemicals’.” The Guardian
Stéphane Horel (June 10, 2025) “Forever chemicals: Scientists condemn massive lobbying campaign to alter PFAS definition.” Le Monde
