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EPA
PFAS chemicals without explicit structures
PFAS Structure lists are versioned iteratively and this description navigates between the various versions of the structure lists. The list of structures displayed below represents the latest iteration of structures (PFASSTRUCTV5 - August 2022). For the versioned lists please use the hyperlinked lists below.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been under regulatory scrutiny. However, many organizations overlook an essential nuance: thousands of PFAS listed in the EPA’s comprehensive database lack defined chemical structures. This missing detail poses a unique challenge for chemical compliance teams and safety data sheet (SDS) screening.
Understanding these “structureless” PFAS chemicals is critical for any company striving to meet regulatory expectations while ensuring product safety. In an era where chemical transparency is more than a compliance checkbox — it’s a public trust issue — ignoring these gaps can expose your business to unexpected liabilities.
Safety data sheets are the backbone of chemical safety assessment. They help you identify hazards, communicate risks, and demonstrate compliance with national and international regulations. Yet, when it comes to PFAS, incomplete or ambiguous chemical identifiers can render even the most thorough SDS ineffective.
Regulators are increasingly calling out manufacturers and importers for incomplete PFAS disclosures. If your SDS screening process relies solely on chemicals with well-defined structures, you may be blind to thousands of potential compliance risks lurking in your supply chain.
A robust approach should include screening against the EPA’s extensive PFAS database — including substances without published structures — to avoid regulatory gaps that could trigger enforcement actions.
Modern chemical compliance tools are evolving to tackle this complex issue. Cutting-edge databases and AI-powered screening engines can flag PFAS entries with or without structural data, cross-reference synonyms, and identify hidden compliance exposures.
Integrating this level of granularity into your chemical compliance strategy transforms your safety data sheet review from a routine task into a powerful safeguard against fines, product recalls, and reputational damage. It also positions your business as a leader in chemical safety and sustainability — a clear competitive advantage as consumers and regulators alike demand greater transparency.
For advanced chemical compliance experts, staying ahead of evolving PFAS regulations means going beyond the basics. Start by auditing your current safety data sheet screening practices. Does your process account for PFAS chemicals without structures? Are your tools updated with the EPA’s most comprehensive lists?
Bridging this knowledge gap is not just about avoiding penalties — it’s about protecting workers, end users, and the environment from known and unknown risks.
As the regulatory landscape for PFAS tightens, ignoring chemicals without structures is a risk no forward-thinking company can afford. Embrace a proactive, data-driven approach to chemical compliance and safety data sheet screening today to protect your operations and build trust with stakeholders tomorrow.
Ready to elevate your chemical compliance strategy? Talk to our experts about integrating PFAS structureless screening into your workflows today.
