Fluorinated organic compounds, commonly known as PFAS, have emerged as a major environmental and public health concern in India in recent years. India Fluorinated Organic Compounds man-made chemical compounds are extremely persistent in the environment and have been detected across the country in water bodies, soil and wildlife. In this article, we examine the various issues associated with PFAS in India and discuss actions being taken to address this challenge.

PFAS - A class of emerging contaminants

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) refer to a large class of over 6000 synthetic organic compounds that contain fluorine bonded carbon chains. They have unique properties like oil and water repellency that have made them indispensable in many industrial and consumer products. Some of the widely used PFAS include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and GenX chemicals. However, growing scientific evidence links long-term exposure of PFAS to serious health issues like cancer, thyroid disease, decreased fertility and developmental issues in children. Their chemical stability also allows them to persist indefinitely in the environment.

Rising detections across India

Several studies in recent years have detected PFAS at various sites across India indicating widespread contamination. One study found elevated PFAS levels in groundwater near effluent discharge points of an aircraft manufacturer in Bengaluru. Another detected PFOS and PFOA in soil and plants near a firefighting training area in Delhi. Studies have also reported PFAS contamination of rivers downstream of industrial areas in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Punjab. Wildlife like fish, frogs and birds have also shown accumulation of PFAS in their tissues. This rising evidence shows that dense industrialization and lack of emission regulations have resulted in unrestricted discharge and spread of these toxic chemicals across the country.

Potential exposure pathways for humans

The persistence of PFAS means they can remain in the environment and accumulate in the human body for decades through various exposure pathways. Drinking contaminated water is a major source of exposure for those living near contaminated sites. Food is another important pathway since PFAS can bioaccumulate in crops irrigated with contaminated water or grown on contaminated soils. PFOS and PFOA have even been detected in packaged and fast foods. Inhalation of indoor air and dust is another possible route, especially near PFAS manufacturing locations. Studies have shown breastfeeding mothers can pass PFAS to infants through breast milk. Given these multiple routes, human biomonitoring suggests widespread internal exposure of Indians to PFAS.

Regulatory action gaining momentum

The widespread detections have spurred regulatory action in India. In 2021, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) published national guidelines listing drinking water and groundwater quality standards for six types of PFAS for the first time. Several states have also started monitoring waste streams of key industries for PFAS. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has commissioned studies for framing proper regulation and management of these chemicals. Manufacture and use of PFOS and long chain PFAS have been restricted under certain laws. However, comprehensive regulation of the entire class is still needed across their life cycle from production to waste management. Tougher emission standards for industries are also required to curtail discharge of PFAS into the environment.

Calls for immediate action

Given the scale of contamination and multiple exposure pathways, there is an urgent need to address the PFAS issue in India. NGOs and public health experts are calling for development of national inventories of current and historic uses of PFAS. Monitoring of high risk sites needs to be expanded alongside nationwide surveillance of levels in humans. Clean-up and remediation of heavily contaminated sites should begin without delay. Adequate alternatives also need to be promoted to curb non-essential uses of PFAS. Public awareness regarding these chemicals needs to be raised. Quick enactment of stringent regulations governing all stages of PFAS life cycle is necessary to prevent further pollution and exposure. Concerted and collaborative efforts between industries, government agencies and the public will be required to tackle this emerging chemical threat. With proactive measures, the potential health risks from these omnipresent contaminants can still be minimized.

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