It’s raining PFAS: rainwater is unsafe to drink even in Antarctica and Tibet (su.se)

Article summary

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are hazardous chemicals that have been found in rainwater and snow globally, including in remote locations like Antarctica and the Tibetan plateau. The levels of PFAS in environmental media are now above guideline levels, making rainwater unsafe to drink. Researchers suggest that PFAS have exceeded a new planetary boundary for novel entities. The persistence and global cycling of PFAS will continue to exceed environmental quality guidelines designed to protect human health.

Main themes

• PFAS pollution
• environmental regulation
• planetary boundaries
• capitalism and consumption
• climate change
• technological innovation and risk

What commenters say

• The use of PFAS in nonstick pans and other products has had devastating environmental and health consequences.
• Regulating chemicals through a whitelist approach could be a feasible solution to prevent similar issues in the future.
• The discovery of PFAS in rainwater highlights the need for a more conservative approach to introducing new substances into the environment.
• Capitalism's emphasis on consumption and profit can lead to the proliferation of harmful chemicals like PFAS.
• Some argue that addressing climate change and other environmental issues requires a fundamental transformation of human society and lifestyle.
• Others believe that incremental changes, such as banning certain chemicals or implementing stricter regulations, can be effective in mitigating environmental harm.
• The complexity of the issue and the difficulty of determining long-term safety of new substances make it challenging to find a solution.
• There is a need for a more nuanced approach that balances the benefits of technological innovation with the potential risks to human health and the environment.