Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals," are a persistent environmental and health concern due to their use in many products as water- and grease-resistant additives. People are constantly exposed to PFAS through their diet, drinking water and consumer products, including microwave popcorn bags. PFAS can also be released from clothing and textiles during use and washing.
This study, conducted from 2019 to 2022, assessed PFAS utilization in 48 selected products in Indonesia; 45 samples, equivalent to 93.75%, showed the presence of one or more PFAS substances. The results indicate that consumers are at risk of exposure to PFAS when using these products, resulting in elevated PFAS levels within the human body.
The aim of the report is to contribute to the discussion on the integrity of a non-toxic circular economy and on the universal ban of "forever chemicals".
Within the framework of the “Global Development, Review and Update of NIPs under the Stockholm Convention on POPs” project to assist countries in reviewing and updating their national implementation plans, the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) is executing Component 4, which focuses on the dissemination of information, management of knowledge and liaising with the Stockholm Convention Secretariat in providing information and tools to be integrated with existing materials and makes them easily accessible and understandable by all parties to the convention.