A recent study led by Oxford University found that toxic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs), also known as “forever chemicals,” have been discovered in the Arctic ice around Svalbard, Norway. This poses a significant threat to the region’s wildlife, particularly polar bears, who were found to have high levels of these chemicals in their bloodstream.

What are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs)?

PFAs are synthetic chemicals commonly used in a variety of products such as nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, and firefighting foam. During production and use, these chemicals can migrate into the soil, water, and air, where they can remain for extended periods of time without degrading. Consequently, PFAs have been found to accumulate in the bodies of people and animals, leading to a variety of health issues.

The Stockholm Convention and PFAs

PFAs are listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty designed to safeguard human health and the environment against toxic chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods. India ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2006, which allows it to maintain a default “opt-out” position regarding amendments to the convention’s various Annexes.

The Dangers of PFAs

PFAs have been linked to several health issues, including cancer, liver disease, thyroid disruption, and decreased vaccination responses. These chemicals can also affect the entire food web, from small organisms like plankton or fish to the region’s apex predators like polar bears. PFOA and PFOS, two of the most studied chemicals in this family, have been shown to interfere with the hormonal system and reproductive system and fetal development.

Findings and Concerns
  • A recent study led by Oxford University found 26 different types of PFAS compounds, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the Norwegian Arctic ice.
  • These chemicals can migrate to ecosystems like Arctic fjords and tundra once the ice melts, posing a threat to the region’s wildlife.
  • The levels of PFAs in the ice were higher than the US advisory drinking water limits, highlighting the severity of the situation.
  • The study also revealed high levels of TFA, a byproduct of hydrofluoroolefin (HFOs) used in refrigeration after the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which is a potent greenhouse gas.
  • HFOs can degrade into TFA, which has been increasing in the Arctic and is highly mobile, potentially causing damage to any location on the planet.
  • While TFA is less toxic than other PFAs, it is important to address the limited knowledge of its environmental impact.
  • The report also highlighted the “doubling up effect” on animals as climate changes and ice melts, particularly in Svalbard where the climate is warming faster than the global average.

MCQs on Impacts of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

  1. What are the potential effects of melting Arctic ice contaminated with PFAS and TFA compounds?
    A. PFAS and TFA compounds can pass on to Arctic ecosystems and have a doubling up effect on animals
    B. PFAS and TFA compounds have no effect on Arctic ecosystems once the ice melts
    C. PFAS and TFA compounds can only affect the Arctic fjords and tundra but not animals
    D. PFAS and TFA compounds are not found in the Arctic ice
    Correct Answer: A. PFAS and TFA compounds can pass on to Arctic ecosystems and have a doubling up effect on animals
    Explanation: The study found that the PFAS and TFA compounds can pass on to Arctic ecosystems such as Arctic fjords and tundra once the ice melts, and the doubling up effect on animals can occur as the climate changes and ice melts.
  2. Which of the following statements is true about PFAS compounds found in the Norwegian Arctic ice?
    A. There are 26 different types of PFAS compounds.
    B. The levels of PFAS compounds in the ice were found to be lower than the US advisory drinking water limits.
    C. PFAS compounds cannot be passed on to ecosystems such as Arctic fjords and tundra.
    D. The study did not find any PFAS compounds in the Norwegian Arctic ice.
    Correct Answer: A. There are 26 different types of PFAS compounds.
    Explanation: The study found that the Norwegian Arctic ice contains 26 different types of PFAS compounds.
  3. What is TFA and why is it significant?
    A. TFA is a refrigeration byproduct caused by HFOs, which can degrade into TFA and has been increasing in the Arctic.
    B. TFA is a type of PFAS compound found in the Norwegian Arctic ice.
    C. TFA is a potent greenhouse gas used in refrigeration after the phase-out of CFCs.
    D. TFA is a chemical used to combat climate change.
    Correct Answer: A. TFA is a refrigeration byproduct caused by HFOs, which can degrade into TFA and has been increasing in the Arctic.
    Explanation: According to the essay, TFA is a refrigeration byproduct caused by hydrofluoroolefin (HFOs), a potent greenhouse gas used in refrigeration after the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Once released, HFOs can degrade into TFA, which has been increasing in the Arctic.
  4. What is the “doubling up effect”?
    A. It is the effect of PFAS compounds on animals in the Arctic.
    B. It is the effect of climate change on the Arctic fjords and tundra.
    C. It is the effect of TFA on the melting of Arctic ice.
    D. It is the effect of the warming climate on animals in the Arctic.
    Correct Answer: D. It is the effect of the warming climate on animals in the Arctic.
    Explanation: The essay mentions the “doubling up effect” on animals as climate changes and ice melts, especially as Svalbard’s climate is reportedly warming faster than the global average.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading