Coupled evaluation of the pros and cons of fluorochemical industry for sustainable development

The fluorochemical industry, critical for advanced technologies like lithium-ion batteries and aerospace materials, emits emerging pollutants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fluorinated gases (F-gases), which pose severe environmental and health risks despite global regulations. In this study, we proposed a coupled evaluation to evaluate the pros and cons (trade-offs) between environmental impacts and socio-economic benefits of fluorochemical industry. The co-emission dynamics of PFAS and F-gases were examined across the fluorochemical industrial chain—upstream (fluorspar mining), midstream (refrigerants, fluoropolymers), and downstream (applications). A novel co-monitoring framework was established to better promote the monitoring efforts. Stakeholder analysis highlights ongoing debates between scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers over balancing economic benefits with environmental responsibility. Through sentiment analysis we mapped impacts fluorochemical industry to 28 targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), results highlighted that the fluorochemical market bolsters SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure) through innovations while exacerbates SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) challenges, underscoring the need for enhanced emission controls. This study provides actionable policy recommendations, advocating targeted restrictions and global cooperation to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, offering a transformative approach to managing fluorochemical industry impacts.