Guideline values for PFAS in soils

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is obliged under Motion 22.3929 Maret ‘Definition of PFAS-specific limit values in ordinances’ to define guideline, test and remediation values for PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) in soils in accordance with the Ordinance on Soil Pollution (VBBo). The Ecotox Centre develops the scientific basis for the guide values for the FOEN. In particular, the direct effects of PFAS on soil fertility and on the biocoenoses in the soil are considered. As PFAS accumulate in the food chain, it is also being evaluated whether the possibility of secondary poisoning of e.g. earthworm-eating birds can be taken into account. In the case of PFAS, the question also arises as to whether background pollution can be considered.