The Critical Role of Commercial Analytical Reference Standards in the Control of Chemical Risks: The Case of PFAS and Ways Forward
Xenia Trier, S.P.J. van Leeuwen, Gianfranco Brambilla, Roland Weber, Thomas F. Webster
Abstract
BACKGROUND: ) monitoring the effectiveness of the measures taken. These steps largely depend on chemical analysis and access to pure chemical reference standards. However, except for specific highly regulated categories of chemicals, such reference standards often are not commercially available. This raises a critical question: Given the widespread lack of reference standards, is the current approach to governing chemicals adequate to protect humans and the environment from harm? If not, what measures could be taken to improve the situation? OBJECTIVE: We outline how current chemical risk governance is hampered by the widespread lack of reference standards to produce the required scientific evidence. We also provide a list of recommendations for controlling chemical risks in the absence of reference standards. DISCUSSION: ) considering, when no reference standards are available, regulation of chemicals by class rather than individually. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12331.