In order to take relevant, adequate measures to reduce the global environmental and human exposure, it is important to understand the levels and trends of long-chain PFASs and fluorinated alternatives in the global environment and biota, starting with source identification and quantification.

A number of surveys were conducted in past years in 2004, 2006 and 2009, respectively:

• the 2004 and 2006 surveys requested participating countries to provide information on all PFASs and related products manufactured in or imported into their jurisdictions,
• the 2009 survey focused on manufacturers of a defined list of PFASs and/or PFAS-containing products in OECD and non-OECD countries.

Despite issues related to confidentiality and incomplete response, the surveys provided useful information on the actual market shift of the production and use of PFASs.

To continue researching on these issues, the Global PFC Group published a report on "Working Towards A Global Emission Inventory of PFASs: Focus on PFCAs – Status Quo and the Way Forward" in 2015. 

• Outcome of the 2009 Survey on Production, Use and Release of PFOS, PFAS, PFOA, PFCA, Related Substances and Products/Mixtures containing these Substances, 2011
• Survey Results on Production and Use of PFOS, PFAS, PFOA, PFCA, Related Substances and Products/Mixtures containing these Substances, 2006
• Survey Results on Production and Use of PFOs, PFAs and PFOA, related Substances and Products/Mixtures containing these Substances, 2005