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.

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Environmental charity supporting sustainability & preventing pollution

BISPHENOLS

Harmful chemicals used in receipts are
contaminating the environment & recycled products

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A FIDRA PROJECT
Bisphenols safe receipt project

To limit resource and energy use, we need a circular economy where products are repaired, reused and recycled safely. But harmful chemicals, like bisphenols used in receipts, are contaminating recycled products. Bisphenols pollute our environment and are known to disrupt hormones, growth and reproduction in people and wildlife.

Bisphenols

THE PROBLEM

Bisphenols, also known as ‘Everywhere Chemicals’, are often used in receipts and tickets.

There is increasing evidence that bisphenols are harming the environment and human health.

Bisphenols in receipts are a risk to the unborn children of shop workers and can contaminate paper recycling streams.

A wide range of chemicals (pesticides) are used in agriculture and so can be found in food. Photo by Tomas Herogh on Unsplash

THE SOLUTION

Alternatives to bisphenols in receipts, such as digital receipts and phenol free paper, are readily available.

Some countries have already banned bisphenol A (BPA) from use in receipts. Now a ban on all bisphenols is needed to ensure the safety of receipts and recycled paper.

Many UK retailers have voluntarily switched to bisphenol free options and support a ban on all bisphenols in receipts.

Bisphenols in receipts contaminates recycled materials if incorrectly recycled, if in doubt throw it out!

OUR ASKS

Governments: Ban all bisphenols in receipts

Retailers: Ensure your receipts are bisphenol free and offer digital receipting

Shoppers: Say no to receipts or go digital

Bisphenols exposure has behavioural effects on wild mammals, including field voles

WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED

Most UK supermarkets now use bisphenol free receipts

Many retailers support a ban on bisphenol in receipts

We want UK REACH to restriction bisphenols in thermal paper used for receipts and tickets

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