A recent study investigated the amount and types of PFAS transported between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. It found that these ‘forever chemicals’ continuously flow between the two oceans.

Researchers set up sampling systems to absorb PFAS at four depths in three different locations in the Fram Strait, which connects the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean.

After one year, the samples were collected and tested for PFAS. Calculations showed that in the study period, around 123 tons of PFAS entered the Arctic Ocean, and about 110 tons moved into the Atlantic Ocean. The researchers state that these values are the highest of any pollutant reported in the Fram Strait to date, demonstrating the significance of the feedback loop of back-and-forth PFAS circulation in the Arctic Ocean.

PFAS are a family of over 10,000 chemicals known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they will last for generations in the environment. They are used in a wide range of consumer products, such as food packaging, cosmetics, and clothing, as well as in industrial applications. PFAS can enter the ocean from waste effluent from industrial activities, contaminated sites and wastewater treatment plants.

Due to their extreme persistence, PFAS can build up in the bodies of marine wildlife like whales and seals until they reach potentially toxic levels. Some PFAS are endocrine disruptors and can cause reproductive issues and certain cancers in both wildlife and people.

Ten different PFAS chemicals were found in at least one of the depths tested at each site. Globally banned chemicals PFOA and PFOS were found at the highest levels. PFOA and PFOA have been linked to developmental issues, immune system problems, and other serious health conditions.

In some cases, companies have replaced these banned PFAS with different ‘short-chain’ PFAS. These newer PFAS were also routinely present in samples.  

Several PFAS chemicals were found in ‘old water’ samples at depths of around 900 meters. This water has not been in contact with the atmosphere for 50 years to hundreds of years and, therefore, is not expected to contain synthetic industrial compounds like PFAS. According to the researchers, it is possible that PFAS attach to particles that then fall to the seafloor, carrying the chemicals with them.

Regulation to protect people and nature from PFAS is currently not protective enough. PFAS pollution to date will already impact generations to come, and we must act now to restrict PFAS and stop adding to the toxic legacy of PFAS pollution.

CHEM Trust is working with NGOs in the UK and the EU to call for a ban on all PFAS in consumer products by 2025; followed by a ban on the whole family of PFAS chemicals by 2030.

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