The Zürich Statement on Future Actions on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) represents the deliberations of 50 international scientists and regulators on PFAS as an issue of global concern. The statement is a clear indication that many countries face the same issues as the US concerning old and new PFAS, including a lack of efficient analytical procedures and gaps in knowledge of health effects. It urges regulators, as far as possible, to be more pro-active in the management of PFAS, restrict PFAS to essential uses only, and find less toxic, less persistent and less bioaccumulative alternatives for all other potential uses. The Zurich statement particularly focuses particularly on the science-policy interface, recognizing that science and engineering solutions are not sufficient to address the growing concerns over PFAS exposure. This again underscores the particular importance of the URI STEEP Center with its dedicated Research Translation and Community Engagement Centers to help reach out to stakeholders and engage affected communities.

Read the full statement.