The Zero PFAS II project was a collaboration within the Baltic Sea region to step up efforts to reduce PFAS emissions. The project focused on sharing and spreading information on PFAS among stakeholders in the region.
Description
PFASs are extremely persistent and resist biological degradation, and studies have shown that they can be linked to harmful health effects such as cancer. Still, they have been widely used in industrial and consumer products for years. This project notes that stricter guidelines will ultimately be implemented by the EU, banning around 200 PFAS substances from February 2023. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go to implement the ban. One reason is unknown sources of emissions, and another the lack of standard analytical methods, resulting in PFAS usage not being discovered in the supply chains.
Much research has been done on PFAS, but according to the ZeroPFAS II project, industries and municipalities are not paying enough attention to the issue. Against this background, the project wants to promote knowledge sharing and information exchange across the borders. In particular, it will strengthen the Baltic Sea PFAS network which has more than 90 members in seven countries in the region. The activities include three science roadshows and seminars, meetings, proposal preparations, website update and newsletter sending.
Activities
Throughout the project duration, ZeroPFAS II organized three roadshows in Stockholm, Tartu, and Vilnius. The focus was on compiling the state of knowledge on PFAS in Estonia and Lithuania and bringing together different stakeholders who can initiate and lead PFAS work in these countries. The purpose of supporting the development of these networks was to promote further EU-wide projects to reduce PFAS.
The project also held regular digital meetings, Baltic Sea PFAS Network Coffee Break. These casual meetups provided a platform where PFAS experts could discuss diverse issues on PFAS, and where people could learn more from experts at the forefront of this field. The Baltic Sea PFAS Network is cost-free to join and open to all.
Lead partner: IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute
Project partners: University of Tartu (Estonia), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, UBC Sustainable Cities Commission (Finland), KEMI Kemikalieinspektionen (Swedish Chemicals Agency)
Results
In cooperation with the EMPEREST project, led by UBC Sustainable Cities Commission, Zero PFAS II successfully organised PFAS Roadshows in 3 countries:
- PFAS Roadshow in Stockholm. 3-5 May 2023, 50 participants. Over 100 impressions on social media.
Engaging local experts from Sweden, including universities, water operators, Swedish Chemicals Agency. The event also involved stakeholders from EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Swedish Institute, and Centrum Balticum. - PFAS Roadshow in Vilnius. 18-20 October 2023, 50 participants. Over 400 impressions on social media. Hosted by the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania.
Engaging main Lithuanian experts and stakeholders interested in PFAS, representing both governance and scientific community (a.o. Ministry of Environment, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Health), agencies working with environmental protection and monitoring as well as universities and research institutions. - PFAS Roadshow in Tartu. 12-14 February 2024, 80 participants. Over 1500 impressions on social media.
Engaging national and local authorities, environmental agencies and research institutions, water utilities and academia.
Funding
The Zero PFAS II project is supported by the Swedish Institute's program to initiate projects that work with cross-border challenges in the Baltic Sea region and seek opportunities together with organizations from countries around the Baltic Sea. The project aims to create collaboration opportunities even after the project period.
Project information
The ZeroPFAS II project was about minimizing the spread of PFAS in the Baltic Sea. It focused on sharing and spreading information on these toxic substances among stakeholders in the region.