This commentary presents a scientific basis for managing as one chemical class the thousands of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The class includes perfluoroalkyl acids, perfluoroalkylether acids, and their precursors; fluoropolymers and perfluoropolyethers; and other PFAS. The basis for the class approach is presented in relation to their physicochemical, environmental, and toxicological properties. Specifically, the high persistence, accumulation potential, and/or hazards (known and potential) of PFAS studied to date warrant treating all PFAS as a single class. Examples are provided of how some PFAS are being regulated and how some businesses are avoiding all PFAS in their products and purchasing decisions. We conclude with options for how governments and industry can apply the class-based approach, emphasizing the importance of eliminating non-essential uses of PFAS, and further developing safer alternatives and methods to remove existing PFAS from the environment.

中文翻译：

---

将PFAS作为化学课进行管理的科学依据

该评论为将数千种称为PFAS（全氟和多氟烷基物质）的化学品作为一种化学品分类提供了科学依据。该类包括全氟烷基酸，全氟烷基醚酸及其前体。含氟聚合物和全氟聚醚；和其他PFAS。分类方法的基础与它们的物理化学，环境和毒理学特性有关。具体而言，迄今为止研究的PFAS的高持久性，累积潜力和/或危害（已知和潜在）有必要将所有PFAS视为一个类别。提供了一些示例，说明如何监管某些PFAS，以及一些企业如何避免在其产品和购买决策中使用所有PFAS。我们以政府和行业如何应用基于类别的方法的选择作为结束，