Presentation
Per and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in the Petrochemical Industry in Africa: The Need for Regulatory Framework
DescriptionAfrica contributes about 10% of the global energy supply. This figure is projected to increase to 20% by 2030 as more oil discoveries are made and countries intensify oil investments to meet their energy and economic interests. In petroleum exploration and production, a significant amount of chemicals broadly known as additives and surfactants are used with formulations containing legacy and chemicals of emerging concern (CEC). The management of legacy contaminants is regulated in the petroleum industry by national legislation, but chemicals of emerging concern (CEC) like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are not regulated despite growing evidence of their persistent nature, transboundary scope and known effects on biota and human health. As the rest of the world races to protect public health by implementing policy and enacting legislation to restrict and ban the use of certain CECs in industrial operations including in the petrochemical industry, this paper calls for the urgent need for awareness, national legislation, and continent-wide regulation for the management of PFASs and other emerging chemicals in the petrochemical industry in Africa. This is important to further the global monitoring and regulation of CECs as demonstrated in the petrochemical industry in developed economies.
Event Type
Paper
TimeWednesday, May 15th10:20am - 10:40am CDT
Location291-292
Prevention