In the summer semester of 2025, the Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) is once again hosting an event as part of the Frankfurt Citizens’ University. On June 23, 2025, scientists from ISOE and Goethe University Frankfurt working in the fields of environmental toxicology, risk communication, and chemicals policy will discuss the risks posed by the problematic chemical group PFAS to the environment. The event, entitled “Das perlt ab!” (It rolls right off!), will begin at 6:00 p.m. on the Riedberg University Campus. The event will be held in German.
PFAS – these four letters stand for a controversial group of chemicals. Because they repel water, grease, and dirt, these chemicals are used in many everyday products, such as outdoor clothing, cookware, and food packaging. As practical as the beading properties of PFAS may be in these products, these so-called “forever chemicals” are a growing environmental and health hazard.
The reason: the PFAS group of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are hardly degradable and leave questionable traces in nature and in humans. They have been detected in drinking water, human blood, and breast milk. What are the risks associated with them? What alternatives are there? And what is the regulatory status of this group of substances? Many consumers are asking questions like these, especially since the spread of PFAS is unclear. There is currently no labeling requirement.
Risk assessment of forever chemicals not yet complete
The EU is now considering restrictions on forever chemicals. However, due to the complexity and diversity of the substance group, the risk assessment of PFAS is not only politically controversial, but also disputed within the scientific community. In addition, there are gaps in research. The debate on the risks of PFAS and their restriction is therefore controversial.
Against this backdrop, the Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) will be addressing the topic of PFAS in the environment in the summer semester of 2025 with an event in the Frankfurt Citizens' University series. On June 23, 2025, scientists from ISOE and Goethe University in the fields of environmental toxicology, risk communication, and chemicals policy will report on the latest findings from the ChemKom research project and political developments, and will answer questions from citizens about the challenges of reducing PFAS in our environment.
Frankfurt Citizens’ University of the ISOE
It rolls right off! Risks posed by PFAS to the environment
Date: June 23, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Otto Stern Center (OSZ), Lecture Hall 6, directly at the “Uni Campus Riedberg” subway station
Speakers: Dr. Johanna Kramm (ISOE), PD Dr. Carolin Völker (ISOE), Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Henner Hollert (Goethe University)
Moderator: Stephan Hübner, hr info
Please note: The event will be held in German.
Organizer: Institute for Social-Ecological Research (ISOE) in cooperation with Goethe University Frankfurt Main
Please register at veranstaltungen@isoe.de
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