PFAS-coated clothes that are thrown away will often end up either incinerated or in landfill. Unless incinerated at very high temperatures (>1000oC), fluorinated polymers could release more harmful PFAS during burning. PFAS of environmental concern have also been found in landfill leachate. PFAS is found in treated waste water from industrial and domestic sources and has been found in both rivers and groundwater. Conventional drinking water processes will not remove PFAS.Small quantities of PFAS will be removed during wash and wear of products containing PFAS. This includes fluorinated polymers used on stain-resistant coatings, and non-polymers that remain on clothes after production (Lassen et al. 2015).Non-polymer PFAS can build up in blood protein of animals, and is not always removed quickly. This means that predators eating PFAS-contaminated food will have higher levels in their bloodstream, and concentrations can increase up the food chain. Studies suggest that build up of PFAS is similar to those of other Persistent Organic Pollutants such as DDT.PFAS are estimated to be settling in arctic regions at rates of tens to hundreds of kilograms per year (25-850kg per year), depending on the specific PFAS chemical in question. Certain PFAS are released as gases to the environment and are blown a long way by wind and air currents in the atmosphere,. These gas PFAS will over time degrade to more persistent chemicals like PFOS and PFOA. This may be one reason why PFAS of environmental concern have been found in remote regions such as the Arctic as well as near PFAS production sitesPFAS including PFOS and PFOA have been found in air samples around Europe. The chemicals are found in small quantities, but appear in almost all samples tested. PFAS enters the atmosphere both from factories and the air inside our homes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17554424 Non-polymer PFAS are used in the production of fluorinated polymers. The manufacture of stain-resistant finishes generally releases these PFASs into the environment, both by air and water emissions. They are very hard to remove during water treatment. Workers in textiles factories are some of the population most exposed to these potentially harmful chemicals.
Cop 26 Workshops - Fidra
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Building resilience
Preventing resource loss

Fidra at COP26

Fidra Exhibition Stand

Date: Tuesday 9th November
Time: 9am-6pm

Description:
An interactive information stall showcasing our project work, with a focus on nature-based solutions and circular economy showing prevention of plastic and chemical pollution into our natural environment.

Location:
The Green zone, Glasgow Science Centre, 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1EA

Booking:
Book tickets for the Green Zone

Packaging

Overcoming The Challenges, A Better Future For Us All

Date: Wednesday 3rd November
Time: 11am-1pm

Description:
We will be involved in a panel discussion hosted by the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation

Location:
The Studio, 67 Hope Street, Glasgow, G26AE

Booking:
Invite only

Round Table

Discussing the links between plastic pollution and the climate crisis, and what COP26 can do to tackle both in parallel.

Date: Thursday 4th November
Time: 10-11:30am

Description:
A plastics panel roundtable discussion, hosted by Holyrood Magazine’s COP26 Fringe and Portsmouth University’s Revolution Plastics

Location:
Platform, Glasgow

Booking:
Invite only. More details here

Plastic: Friend or Foe?

Examining how we can tackle plastic pollution, from the bigger picture to Fidra’s targeted projects.

Date: Wednesday 10th November
Time: 10.00-11:30 GMT

Description:
We are working with Glasgow Science Centre to host a workshop on plastic pollution and solutions, for community members in Glasgow.

Location:
GSC Community space

Booking and further details:
Invite only

Beyond the Bottle

How outdoor sports can help the environment

Date: Thursday 11th November
Time: 1930-2100 GMT

Description:
Outdoor sports enthusiasts are among the environment’s biggest fans, here we explore the environmental footprint of outdoor sports and what we can do about it as an individual, local sports club or national organisation.

In association with Glasgow Science Centre and Scottish Canoe Association

Location:
Online

Booking and further details:
Beyond the Bottle Registration, Thu 11 Nov 2021 at 19:30 | Eventbrite

Our Online Displays

Explore our projects online Part 1.

Our Online Displays

Explore our projects online Part 2.