Eternity chemical contained in lithium-ion batteries discovered in waters

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Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) include various chemicals that persist for decades due to their chemical stability and can potentially harm humans and the environment; they are found in cell phones, medical devices, solar panels and other devices. One particular subclass called bis-perfluoroalkylsulfonamide (bis-FASI) is used as an electrolyte and binder in lithium-ion batteries. Bis-FASIs are now found in soil, sediments, water and snow around production facilities, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications. The authors of the study also found bis-FASI in liquids originating from landfills.

The researchers took water, sediment and soil samples from 87 different locations in Minnesota, Kentucky, Belgium and France between January and October 2022 - specifically in areas close to chemical manufacturers such as Arkema and 3M. The latter, for example, has already been held liable for contaminated drinking water. The researchers found the highest PFAS contamination at the 3M site in Antwerp. They found particularly high concentrations of bis-FASI there. The findings would significantly exceed die limits set by the US Environmental Protection Agency this year for other types of PFAS in drinking water. To determine the water quality, the researchers also used large water fleas (Daphia magna) – the swimming performance of the Daphnia allowed them to draw appropriate conclusions.

Occurrence of BisFasis also possible in Germany

It "cannot be ruled out that this compound also occurs in the environment in Germany," Jona Schule from the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) told heise online. On behalf of the UBA, the occurrence of lesser-known PFAS including bis-FASI was investigated, but no occurrences of bis-FASI were found in the samples.

"The Nature study confirms that there is a risk of PFAS release from Li-ion batteries over the entire life cycle, with the risk appearing to be greatest during the manufacture of the PFAS and the disposal of the batteries. The potential for release depends, of course, on the conditions of the respective facilities. For state-of-the-art plants (for example with exhaust air extraction, thermal (post) treatment, waste water and waste gas separation), the release potential is estimated to be very low," said the spokesperson.

However, the UBA considers any release of PFAS into the environment to be problematic. "The substances are not degradable under natural conditions and remain in the environment for very long periods of time. Cleaning up the existing pollution is only possible – if at all – at very high technical and financial expense," it says.

Growing problem

According to the UBA, it is therefore important to research alternatives, especially considering the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries. The use of PFAS should therefore be reduced as much as possible and only be used where there are no alternatives. This is the only way to minimize the amount of PFAS released into the environment as much as possible. The UBA is therefore participating in a procedure to restrict the production, use and marketing of PFAS in Europe.

The authors of the Nature study emphasize that they are in favor of sustainable energy, but point out that the environmental risks of lithium-ion batteries need to be evaluated. Bis-FASI are likely to remain in the environment for a long time, the researchers are certain, but could be cleaned up using similar methods to treat other types of chemicals in drinking water.

Other studies link PFAS to a higher risk of certain cancers, liver damage, high cholesterol and reproductive health problems, including lower birth weight in infants.

Ban on perpetuating chemicals planned

The EU is discussing the design of a PFAS ban. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted a proposal for a ban on 10,000 substances at the beginning of 2023, and the details and scope of the ban have been discussed ever since. Experts expect the European Commission to decide in 2025, with transitional periods of one and a half to thirteen and a half years depending on the application.

Unlimited exemptions are planned for some areas, such as active ingredients in medicinal products. Companies must therefore scrutinize their supply chains about PFAS and manufacturers must find suitable PFAS substitutes. Industry representatives believe that the objectives of the EU chip law are at risk, with the planned ban jeopardizing the continued existence of the semiconductor industry. At the end of 2023, medical device manufacturers warned against a blanket ban on PFAS and also called for transition periods. However, these are planned.

(mack)