PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a group of several thousand chemicals that are used in countless industrial and consumer products and are therefore part of our everyday lives. These substances are highly stable in the environment, meaning they can be detected almost everywhere in living organisms and the environment. This is a cause for concern because PFAS can accumulate in animals and humans and are, in some cases, toxic.
The Ecotox Centre is actively involved in numerous projects addressing the PFAS issue, makes its expertise available to public authorities and policymakers, and shares it with various stakeholders in the form of information materials, media coverage, courses and publications.
The PFAS web portal from Empa, Eawag and the Ecotox Centre provides facts and background information on pollution caused by this problematic class of substances – and what the three institutes are doing to combat it.
News
09. January 2026
Podcast on PFAS in drinking water
How do PFAS end up in the environment and in drinking water? And what can be done about it? Ecotox Centre scientist Alexandra Kroll and former cantonal chemist Kurt Seiler explain why limit values are not enough and where we need to start earlier.
Read more14. October 2025
Updated PFAS info sheet
The Ecotox Centre has updated its info sheet on PFAS, taking into account relevant developments and regulatory changes. The info sheet provides details on the occurrence of these substances, their toxicity and the legal situation.
Read more04. October 2024
PFAS in sediments near a fire training area in Lausanne
Both bioassays and risk assessment indicate a significant risk for the sediment organisms.
Read more18. March 2024
PFAS course attracts interest
To provide comprehensive information about PFAS and their toxicity to the environment and humans, the Ecotox Centre has organised a course last week, which was attended by more than 80 participants.
Read more29. April 2021
PFAS in Swiss sediments
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are very stable in the environment and are therefore detected almost everywhere. A new study investigates the occurrence of PFAS in Swiss sediments.
Read more
Experts
Dr. Carmen Casado-Martinez
Sediment Ecotoxicology, Scientist
Send mailTel. +41 58 765 5747 CH C3 485, Lausanne
Dr. Rébecca Beauvais
Sediment Ecotoxicology, Scientist
Send mailTel. +41 21 693 08 96 CH C3 485, Lausanne