Environment
PFAS are water-, oil- and dirt-repellent and are among the most persistent synthetic chemicals. Their use in everyday products such as rainwear, food packaging, cookware and cosmetics leads to their continuous release into the environment.
PFAS can be detected worldwide in soil, water bodies, plants and animals. It is assumed that many of these substances are also transported through the atmosphere. They subsequently return to the environment through precipitation, entering soils, surface waters and groundwater.
Health
PFAS can enter the human body through food and drinking water and may accumulate there over extended periods of time. The gastrointestinal tract is considered the primary route of exposure.
Several PFAS compounds are classified as substances of concern due to their toxicological properties.
Regulatory Framework
Several thousand different PFAS compounds are now known. Since it is currently not possible to monitor all of these substances, regulation focuses on selected representatives of this substance group.
At present, 24 PFAS compounds are monitored and assessed. In addition to the 20 compounds included in the PFAS-20 group, legally binding drinking water limits have applied since 2026. From 2028 onwards, the four particularly critical compounds in the PFAS-4 group will additionally be regulated under a separate and more stringent group limit.
