{"id":3461,"date":"2024-03-18T16:17:31","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T15:17:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rdcenvironment.be\/?p=3461"},"modified":"2024-03-20T16:32:43","modified_gmt":"2024-03-20T15:32:43","slug":"exploring-pfas-alternatives-rdc-environment-share-in-a-belgian-study","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/rdcenvironment.be\/en\/news\/exploring-pfas-alternatives-rdc-environment-share-in-a-belgian-study\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring PFAS Alternatives: RDC Environment’s Contribution in a Belgian Study"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The global effort to reduce the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” is becoming increasingly important due to environmental and health concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Study Overview\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

FPS Economy and FPS Public Health commissioned a market study to characterize the use of PFAS in Belgium. RDC Environment in partnership with ERDYN conducted this study. <\/span>The report of this study is publicly available <\/b>here<\/b><\/a>.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Purpose & Process\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The main goals of the study was to identify the primary sources of PFAS (ERDYN) and suggest public policies that support the development of safer alternatives (RDC Environment).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The report includes information from organizations like <\/span>ECHA<\/span><\/a> and the <\/span>OECD<\/span><\/a>, literature reviews, RDC Environment\u2019s expertise and insights from industry stakeholders through various workshops and interviews (in the medical devices, technical textiles and HVACR sectors).<\/span><\/p>\n

Study Results\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Finding PFAS-free alternatives presents a significant challenge in certain industries, such as technical textiles, HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration), and medical devices. Because <\/span>replicating the key properties of PFAS<\/b>, like chemical resistance, thermal stability, and durability,<\/span> is difficult<\/b>. Additionally, <\/span>regulatory and economic constraints<\/b> restrict the development of PFAS-free solutions.<\/b><\/p>\n

In the study,<\/span> 12 sectors<\/b> were classified into different levels of PFAS-alternative readiness, and specific policies recommended for each case.<\/span><\/p>\n