White House Releases Strategy for PFAS Research

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has released a new strategy that outlines priorities for federal research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The goals of the strategy are to provide high-quality data on PFAS and their health impacts, communicate PFAS research effectively, identify technologies to help remediate PFAS pollution, and generate information about PFAS alternatives.

The strategy notes that PFAS alternatives generally involve either reducing the need for PFAS-containing materials or replacing them with substitute chemicals. It calls for engagement with researchers in universities and the private sector to develop less toxic PFAS alternatives.

Among the recommendations for supporting the strategy’s goals is the development of biomonitoring programs for identifying occupational sources and types of exposures among firefighters and other workers. Additionally, the strategy notes the need for studies of PFAS exposures in indoor environments and for development of analytical methods for evaluating the impact of PFAS in workplaces.

The strategy is available as a PDF from the White House website.

Related: Read “Chasing a Changing Chemical Market” and “The Challenges of PFAS.”