Document ZJbn8Ery0wY4MrV4JeZMnrnO8

OECD WORK ON PFAS AT GLOBAL LEVEL Chemical Watch PFAS Global 2022 Conference 24 March, 2022 , OECD OECD ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY (EHS) PROGRAMME 38 Member countries, many partner countries and other stakeholders work together to develop and co-ordinate activities on chemical safety and biosafety on an international basis. One of the core aspects of the work relates to the Mutual Acceptance of Data. The main objectives of the Programme are to: Assist OECD Member countries' efforts to protect human health and the environment through improving chemical safety and biosafety Make chemical control policies more transparent and efficient and save resources for government and industry; and Prevent unnecessary distortions in the trade of chemicals, chemical products and products of modern biotechnology. http://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/ Background to the OECD/UNEP Global PFC Group Established in 2012 in response to ICCM (International Conference on Chemicals Management) Resolution II/5; Set up to facilitate exchange of information on PFAS, and to support a global transition towards safer alternatives; Brings together experts from OECD member & non-member countries in academia, governments, industry, IGOs, NGOs. OECD/UNEP Global PFC Group Mandate from 2nd International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM, SAICM) Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Resolutions to shift towards safer alternatives http://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety /portal-perfluorinated-chemicals/ PROJECTS FOR THE WORK PERIOD 2021-2024 Reconciling Terminology of the Universe of PFAS: Recommendations and Practical Guidance Published in July 2021: (1) Revised PFAS definition to comprehensively reflect the universe of PFAS, (2) Practical guidance on how to use the PFAS terminology, (3) Systematic approach to characterization of PFASs based on molecular structural traits, (4) Areas in relation to the PFAS terminology that warrant further development. Webinar presenting the report: https://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/portal-perfluorinatedchemicals/webinars/ Why was the guidance developed? Have a coherent and consistent logic behind the PFAS definition to adequately reflect all compounds with the same structural traits Provide recommendations on communicating the diversity of PFAS in a clear, specific and descriptive manner Collection of Information on Alternatives Collect info on commercial availability & current uses of alternatives in different industry sectors and on their hazard profile PFAS & alternatives in food packaging (paper and paperboard), published in 2020 Collection of hazard information on the alternatives identified, published in February 2022 PFAS & alternatives in coatings, paints and varnishes, published in March 2022 Collection of hazard information on the alternatives identified, to be published late 2022 Understanding the life cycle of polymeric PFASs Report 1: Synthesis report focusing on side-chain fluorinated polymers: - Identities of side-chain fluorinated polymers; - Historical and ongoing production; - Historical and ongoing use; - Summary of available info on release of the polymer and release of PFASs from degradation of the sidechain fluoropolymers, during production, use and end-of-life treatment; - Identification of the key data gaps from above synthesis. Reports 2 & 3: Perfluoropolyethers ; Fluoropolymers Collection of information on risk reduction initiatives & update of Webportal https://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/portal-perfluorinatedchemicals/countryinformation/ Webinars https://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/portal- perfluorinated-chemicals/webinars/ To note.... The future of the OECD/UNEP Global PFC Group will depend on future directions of SAICM post 2020.