PFAS in Supply Chains: Health Risks, Regulations, and How to Stay Ahead

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been around since World War II. They’ve earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they’re incredibly persistent in the environment and human bodies—meaning they don’t easily break down. While their unique properties, such as water and oil resistance, have made them highly useful in a wide array of products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, their environmental and health impacts are raising red flags.

As I discussed with Cally Edgren, Vice President of Regulatory & Sustainability at Assent, in a recent episode of the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast, the growing awareness of the dangers posed by PFAS is rapidly reshaping how companies approach their supply chains. Regulatory bodies across the globe are responding with stricter laws, and manufacturers face increasing legal and financial risks for continuing to use PFAS.

In this blog post, I’ll break down the reasons why eliminating PFAS from supply chains has become such an urgent matter, the legal and regulatory frameworks driving this change, and what companies can do to protect themselves while contributing to a safer and more sustainable world.

Why PFAS Are a Concern

PFAS are often found in everyday products like non-stick pans, water-resistant clothing, dental floss, and even fast-food wrappers. However, it’s their long-lasting nature that has become the focus of regulatory scrutiny. Studies have shown that PFAS are present in the blood of nearly 97% of Americans, and they have been linked to a variety of health issues.

Exposure to these chemicals has been associated with kidney and testicular cancer, endocrine, immune, reproductive and developmental effects, high cholesterol, and complications in pregnancy, such as preeclampsia. They have even been found in babies at birth, passed from mother to child through the placenta. The fact that these chemicals accumulate in the human body over time, without breaking down, adds to the urgency of removing them from products and supply chains.

The global scale of PFAS contamination is vast. In 2021, the European Environment Agency estimated that between 100,000 and 500,000 tonnes of PFAS had been dispersed across Europe. The persistence of these chemicals in the environment and in our bodies makes them a significant public health concern, intensifying the need for regulatory intervention.

Regulatory Frameworks and Legal Risks

As Cally pointed out in our podcast conversation, PFAS regulations are moving faster than nearly any other chemical regulation we’ve seen in recent history. In the US, 46 states already have some form of PFAS legislation, and this number continues to grow. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set new drinking water standards to limit PFAS contamination and has expanded its Superfund program to include PFAS cleanup. This gives the EPA the authority to hold companies liable for contamination, which poses enormous risks for manufacturers if PFAS are found in their supply chains.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the EU’s REACH regulation has been restricting the use of PFAS in various industries for years, and member states are pushing for broader bans on these chemicals. The potential for a blanket PFAS ban in the EU would force manufacturers to eliminate all types of PFAS, not just a select few, which makes it essential for businesses to identify where these chemicals are hiding in their supply chains.

What’s striking is that regulatory change isn’t just coming from governments. Private lawsuits are becoming more common, and as Cally noted, we could be on the brink of seeing PFAS litigation dwarf previous legal battles, such as those surrounding asbestos or tobacco. Companies that continue to use PFAS, knowingly or not, could face massive financial and reputational risks.

Why Knowledge of Your Supply Chain Matters

One of the biggest challenges for manufacturers is that PFAS are often deeply embedded in supply chains, sometimes several tiers down, making them difficult to trace. This makes it essential for companies to establish strong relationships with their suppliers and demand transparency regarding materials.

3M, one of the world’s largest suppliers of PFAS, has announced it will stop producing them by 2025. While this is a positive step for sustainability, it also means companies relying on PFAS-based materials need to start sourcing alternatives now. Waiting until the last minute could result in supply chain disruptions, product obsolescence, and increased costs as demand for PFAS alternatives skyrockets.

For example, textile manufacturers are already experimenting with PFAS-free waterproof coatings. While these alternatives may require some trade-offs in performance, consumer demand for safer, non-toxic products is growing, and businesses that can adapt to this shift will likely gain a competitive edge.

Strategies to Eliminate PFAS from Supply Chains

So, how can businesses address this growing challenge? As we discussed in the podcast, the first step is knowing where PFAS are in your supply chain. This means going beyond your tier-one suppliers and investigating further upstream. In some cases, businesses are surprised to find PFAS in places they didn’t expect, such as packaging materials or coatings on components.

Once you’ve identified where PFAS are being used, the next step is to work with suppliers to phase them out. Some companies have already found ways to substitute PFAS with safer, more sustainable alternatives. For instance, certain textile manufacturers are now using natural wax-based treatments for water resistance. These alternatives not only eliminate PFAS but also align with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.

While eliminating PFAS may be a costly and complex process, the long-term benefits—such as avoiding legal liabilities, maintaining market access, and building consumer trust—far outweigh the risks of continuing to use these harmful chemicals.

The Path Forward

The elimination of PFAS from supply chains isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a moral imperative. The health implications of PFAS on humans are serious, with links to cancer, immune system suppression, and other critical health issues. Manufacturers have a responsibility to protect both the environment and human health. While the path ahead may be challenging, the move towards safer, more sustainable materials is inevitable—and those who act now will be better prepared for the future.

If you’d like to dive deeper into this conversation and hear more insights from my discussion with Cally Edgren, be sure to check out the full episode on the Sustainable Supply Chain Podcast.

Let’s work together to build supply chains that are not only efficient but also sustainable and safe for everyone.

Photo credit John Morgan on Flickr