Volatilization Potential of Per‐ and Poly‐fluoroalkyl Substances from Airfield Pavements and during Recycling of Asphalt

Per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water are typically present in their ionic (nonvolatile) forms; however, these can transition to their nonionic (volatile) forms when in contact with organic solvents and organic matrices. In particular, when PFAS are dissolved in organic solvents such as residues left from firefighting foams, fuels, and bitumen present in asphalt, the equilibrium between ionic and nonionic forms can trend toward more volatile nonionic forms of PFAS. We assessed the volatility of common PFAS based on calculated and available experimental data across ambient temperature ranges experienced by airfield pavements and at elevated temperatures associated with reworking asphalts for reuse. Volatilities are shown to be comparable to hydrocarbons in the semivolatile range, suggesting that volatilization is a viable loss mechanism for some PFAS that are nonvolatile in water. The present study points to future investigative needs for this unexplored mass loss mechanism and potential exposure pathway. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2202–2208. © 2022 Commonwealth of Australia. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.