PFAS and policy: Linking the chemistry of fluorinated gases with chemical regulations
Cora Young
Professor and Guy Warwick Rogers Chair
Department of Chemistry, York University
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
2:30 p.m.
In-person: C2-361 (Reading Room)
Abstract: Fluorinated compounds have many important industrial and commercial applications, including heat transfer fluids, and precursors/products of fluoropolymer production. Thousands of fluorinated compounds have been used in commercial applications. Poly- and perfluorination increases both the volatility and environmental lifetime of chemicals, such that many fluorinated compounds are present in the environment as persistent fluorinated gases. As a result, the atmosphere serves as an important medium of global transport for fluorinated compounds over both short and long distances. These fluorinated compounds can have negative environmental impacts, including comprising the notorious class of compounds per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and acting as the most potent greenhouse gases on Earth. The negative environmental consequences and commercial interests in fluorinated compounds have led to a tension between regulation and production. I will describe how our understanding of the environmental chemistry of fluorinated compounds has informed—and been informed by—regulation. This will include results of environmental monitoring, laboratory studies, and modelling. I will share my experiences working on chemistry that could lead to further regulation of the chemical industry.
Biography: Dr. Cora Young is a Professor and the Rogers Chair in Chemistry at York University. Her research group focuses on the development and application of new analytical techniques to increase our understanding of issues in air quality, climate change, and pollutant transport. She has received several awards, including the 2022 Chemical Institute of Canada Environment Division Early Career Award, as well as being named to Chemical and Engineering News’ "Talented 12" in 2019. Work from Cora’s research team has been featured by numerous media outlets, including CBC (Nature of Things, Quirks and Quarks), CTV, and the BBC. Cora serves as an Associate Editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry journal, Environmental Science: Processes and Impacts.