Global Disparities in the Regulation of PFASs: The Risk of Shifting the PFAS Pollution Burden to Developing Countries

TL;DR

The paper highlights how developing countries face growing PFAS pollution risks due to weak regulations, while developed countries tighten their rules.

Contribution

The paper introduces a global perspective on PFAS regulation disparities and proposes solutions to prevent pollution burden shifting.

Findings

Developing countries have high PFAS levels but lack research and regulation.

Regulatory imbalances risk illegal PFAS trade and industry relocation.

Global solutions like bans and funding are needed to address disparities.

Abstract

The environmental health challenges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFASs) are well-documented in developed countries, where
serious efforts are underway to implement stricter regulations to
lower PFAS emissions. However, in developing countries where PFASs
have been detected at levels similar to those in developed countries,
there is a lack of comparable research or efforts on addressing PFAS
pollution. These gaps also apply to many other industrial chemicals
and are underpinned by imbalances in chemical regulation between developed
and developing countries. These imbalances are likely to create multifaceted
global challenges, including the illegal use and trade of PFASs and
their products, the relocation of PFAS-based industries, and the global
recirculation of PFAS pollution. These challenges can exacerbate pressure
on developing countries already grappling with other critical environmental
issues. In this Perspective, we explore these challenges arising from
global disparities in the regulation of PFASs and other chemicals,
along with their repercussions. We propose solutions to bridge the
regulatory gaps, including broad, worldwide PFAS bans and regulations,
increased funding for PFAS monitoring and emissions reduction, and
joint initiatives with developed countries. These efforts would ensure
that PFAS management extends beyond the developed world to countries
with high economic aspirations and limited resources to address chemical
pollution.

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