Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and the human body. There have been a number of health concerns associated with PFAS exposure, including endocrine disruption, increased cholesterol levels, immune system effects, developmental issues in children, and potential increased risk of certain cancers. Due to these potential health risks and environmental persistence, schools must take precautions to minimize exposure, especially in science/STEM instructional spaces where PFAS-containing materials may be used or stored. PFAS are often found in lab equipment with non-stick coatings (e.g., some tubing, beakers, pans), firefighting foams (Aqueous film-forming foam), stain- or water-resistant lab furnishings and materials, and older chemical inventories.

First of all, avoid use of PFAS substances whenever possible. Substitute PFAS-containing substances with safer alternatives. For example, always check SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for any chemicals brought into the lab. Audit all chemicals and materials for PFAS-containing products.  Label PFAS-containing items for awareness and proper use. Be sure to dispose of outdated or unnecessary PFAS-containing materials as hazardous waste.

Make sure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) are being adopted. Wear gloves (preferably nitrile, as latex may not be sufficient). Use lab coats and safety goggles to prevent skin and eye exposure. Avoid gloves and lab coats treated with stain-resistant or water-repellent coatings unless verified PFAS-free.

Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood. Minimize exposure by not allowing students to directly handle PFAS-containing substances. Avoid heating or aerosolizing PFAS, as fumes can be hazardous. Also, prohibit eating and drinking in the lab to prevent ingestion.

In case of spills, be sure to isolate the area; use absorbent materials and PPE. Collect all PFAS waste in designated containers and follow local hazardous waste disposal guidelines. Adopt decontamination procedures like cleaning lab surfaces with PFAS-free solvents. Properly dispose of contaminated gloves, wipes, and absorbent materials. Store PFAS-containing chemicals in tightly sealed containers. Never pour PFAS-containing chemicals down the drain or into regular trash. Adopt emergency response protocols in case of spills; use absorbent materials designed for chemical spills. Also have emergency contact numbers readily available for chemical exposure incidents.

Finally, education and training are critical to develop awareness of PFAS in the instructional space. Train staff and students on PFAS hazards and safer handling. Again, include PFAS awareness in chemical hygiene and lab safety plans. Regulatory and Guidance Sources are available to support awareness and actions in dealing with PFAS, including the Environmental Protection Agency PFAS Strategic Roadmap; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines (though PFAS–specific workplace standards are emerging); and state-level regulations, particularly in states with stricter PFAS policies like California, Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut.

To eliminate PFAS exposure in the laboratory instructional space, here are some safer alternatives for common PFAS–containing materials.

A.    Nonstick and Water-Resistant Coatings
•    Alternative. Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic labware instead of nonstick-coated materials, given nonstick coatings (e.g., Teflon) often contain PFAS.

B.    Firefighting Foam Experiments
•    Alternative. Use Class A foam or non-PFAS firefighting foams, given traditional aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) contain PFAS.

C.    Water-Repellency Demonstrations
•    Alternative. Use natural wax coatings (e.g., beeswax or soy wax) instead of PFAS-treated materials, given PFAS-treated paper, textiles, and surfaces pose contamination risks.

D.    Chemical-Resistant Gloves
•    Alternative. Use nitrile gloves instead of fluoropolymer-coated gloves. Some fluoro-based gloves may contain PFAS.

E.    Surface Treatments for Experiments
•    Alternative. Use silicone-based or plant-derived hydrophobic coatings, given PFAS-based treatments are persistent and hazardous.

Teachers and chemical hygiene officers need to take an active role in eliminating exposure to PFAS in the instructional space. It is highly recommended to include references to PFAS in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Also periodically review and update lab protocols as new regulations and information become available. Finally, collaborate with facilities and environmental health and safety (EHS) personnel for broader PFAS risk mitigation.

Submit questions regarding health and safety issues in science/STEM instructional spaces to Ken Roy at safersci@gmail.com.

Follow Ken Roy on X: @drroysafersci. Follow Dr. Roy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ken-roy-07218713/.