[News] U.S. Accelerates Approval of New PFAS Chemicals for Semiconductors, Raising Environmental Concerns

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According to a report from Ijiwei, citing The Guardian, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accelerating the approval process for new PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” for use in the semiconductor industry.

The report highlights concerns that increased semiconductor production in the U.S. could significantly worsen pollution caused by inadequately studied PFAS chemicals. These substances are known to be toxic, accumulate in the environment, and contribute to climate change.

While the Biden administration has heavily invested in boosting the semiconductor industry, the report underscores that this sector is a major source of pollution and a key contributor to PFAS contamination.

In early December, the EPA announced plans to strengthen the review process for new chemicals as part of the 2016 revision of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the primary U.S. law governing toxic substances. However, the report notes the inclusion of a “low-volume exemption” clause in the law, which allows chemicals considered low-risk to workers to enter the market with minimal scrutiny in less than 30 days.

The report also emphasizes the TSCA’s acknowledgment of the “critical role” of PFAS in semiconductor production. It states that the EPA prioritizes the review of PFAS chemicals for this sector, processing them in one-third the time taken for other industries—sometimes in as little as 90 days.

The EPA claims to have established a safety “framework” for these chemicals, though the specifics remain unclear, as the report indicates. Additionally, the EPA asserts that PFAS in semiconductor production are used within “closed-loop systems,” meaning they are confined to facilities, pose no risk to workers, and are managed and disposed of properly.

PFAS comprise approximately 15,000 chemical substances commonly found in waterproof, stain-resistant, and heat-resistant products. Known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down naturally, PFAS are associated with serious health issues, including cancer, liver and kidney disease, thyroid disorders, birth defects, and weakened immune systems, as highlighted by the report.

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