Responding is Jillian Stacy, senior vice president, Enhesa Chemical Intelligence and Group Expert Services, Enhesa, Arlington, VA.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called “forever chemicals,” have become a major concern for businesses and regulators alike. Known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks – including cancer, liver damage and immune system effects – PFAS pose a unique challenge: They’re widely used in industrial processes and consumer products, often without clear visibility. To protect workers and maintain compliance, organizations are adopting proactive strategies that combine chemical transparency, supplier engagement and robust safety documentation.
1. Build a complete chemical inventory
The foundation of PFAS risk management is understanding what chemicals are present in your operations. Many organizations struggle with fragmented systems across departments – procurement; product development; and environmental, health and safety – making it difficult to track all substances. A unified chemical inventory provides visibility into raw materials, intermediates and finished goods, enabling businesses to identify PFAS-containing materials early and consider safer alternatives during product design.
2. Maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets
Safety Data Sheets are the cornerstone of chemical hazard communication. Organizations are increasingly reviewing SDSs for PFAS indicators to inform workers about potential risks and safe handling practices. Regular updates ensure compliance with evolving global regulations, such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, which are tightening restrictions on PFAS. Accurate SDSs help identify PFAS in coatings, adhesives, textiles and electronics – materials that might otherwise seem harmless.
3. Engage suppliers for full chemical disclosure
PFAS risk often originates upstream in the supply chain. Leading organizations are moving beyond basic declarations and requesting full ingredient and impurity disclosures from suppliers. This prevents “regrettable substitutions,” in which one PFAS compound is replaced with another. Some organizations complement supplier questionnaires with analytical testing and digital screening tools to verify PFAS-free claims. Transparency and verification together create a strong defense against hidden PFAS risks.
4. Leverage technology and collaboration
Digital platforms now allow organizations to monitor PFAS-related lists, receive alerts on regulatory changes and analyze chemical end points. These tools streamline compliance reporting and enable cross-functional teams – procurement, EHS and product stewardship – to act quickly when risks are identified. Collaboration across departments and with external partners is essential to keep pace with regulatory complexity and ensure consistent communication about PFAS requirements.
5. Commit to continuous monitoring and safer alternatives
Finally, organizations are investing in ongoing testing programs to verify PFAS-free claims and evaluate safer substitutes. This includes screening packaging, textiles and coatings, as well as auditing wastewater and soil for contamination. By integrating PFAS management into broader sustainability and environmental, social and governance initiatives, organizations not only protect workers but also strengthen brand reputation and reduce long-term liability.
Bottom line
Preventing PFAS exposure requires a holistic approach: complete chemical inventories, rigorous SDS management, transparent supplier engagement and continuous monitoring. Organizations that act now will safeguard their workforce, stay ahead of tightening global regulations and meet growing consumer demand for PFAS-free products.
Editor’s note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be considered a National Safety Council endorsement.
