PFAS related news continues to dominate environmental news headlines as we begin 2024, highlighting the increasing awareness and concern surrounding these persistent environmental contaminants. In global news, PFAS are now being found on ski mountains and banned in cosmetics, posing significant environmental and health risks worldwide. In the United States, the CDC is encouraging doctors to consider more forever chemical testing while supermarket foods are in the spotlight again with chemicals found in common products. Click below to read through our January PFAS Newsletter for critical updates and pressing issues throughout the United States and beyond!
Breaking PFAS News
Did you hear the news? We’ve launched multiple new and ISO-17025 accredited services at our newest PFAS lab in Ontario, Canada! You’ll find new PFAS capabilities in water and soil at our Lakefield laboratory with the state-of-the-art Method 1633 and localized expertise. These new services build on our already best-in-class and comprehensive Ontario laboratory capabilities and our leading PFAS services across our North American network.
Click on SGS PFAS/emerging contaminants analysis capabilities, and see why SGS delivers what you need every step of way.
EPA Updates Method 1633 and 1621 as CWA Methods Get Ready for Promulgation
The US EPA has released pre-promulgation versions of Method 1633 for the analysis of PFAS in aqueous, solid and tissue matrices, and EPA 1621 for Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) by Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC). EPA 1633 was first developed and validated at the SGS AXYS laboratory in Sidney by the EPA Office of Water, Engineering and Analysis Division (EAD), in collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD). Versions for both these methods include all changes from the multi-laboratory validations and supersedes all previous draft versions. The next step for both these methods is notification of promulgation and a public comments period.
EPA Releases OTM-50 for Sampling and Analysis of Volatile PFAS
The EPA Releases Other Test Method 50 (OTM-50) for sampling and analysis of a total of 30 fluorinated substances, many of them defined as PFAS by the EPA. The list includes products of incomplete PFAS combustion/destruction and some industrial chemicals. OTM-50 complements OTM-45 for the sampling and analysis of semi-volatile PFAS. SGS is working on bringing OTM-50 onboard in the near future, so watch this space for more information!
Addition of Certain PFAS to the TRI by the National Defense Authorization Act | US EPA
The US EPA has added 7 new PFAS entities to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for 2024. These include PFHxA (and salts), PFPrA, Lithium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] azanide and more. Facilities in designated industry sectors and federal facilities using these chemicals above set quantities must now report how much of each chemical is released into the environment or managed as waste.
To find out how we can best help you with your PFAS analysis, call +1 800 329 0204 or email PFAS.Expert@sgs.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
The SGS PFAS Team
Global
Skiers are spreading PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ around the world’s mountains
A new study reveals the presence of hazardous PFAS chemicals in the soils of ski mountains around the world, a discovery that has significant implications for both the environment and public health. This disturbing research was conducted by The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen and the University of Graz, unveiling a concerning environmental issue plaguing popular skiing destinations.
‘Forever chemical’ PFAS banned from cosmetics
These “forever chemicals” are difficult to break down and can build up in the body and the environment over time. The EPA says New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to take this step on PFAS.
United States
Scientists at the University of California, Riverside have recently revealed a new method to break down toxic “forever chemicals” — officially called PFAS compounds — in drinking water. Now, a research team at UCR has demonstrated a method to break down two of the most common PFAS compounds — PFOA and PFOS — in less than an hour.
CDC now encouraging doctors to consider more blood testing for “forever chemicals”
Doctors are now being encouraged to consider more blood testing for PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” according to guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The federal agency is recommending providers have a discussion with their patients regarding consumer and environmental exposures to large levels of the chemicals, and if blood testing may be of benefit.
Phthalates — aka, “forever chemicals” — have been found in several well-known food brands, including organic brands that are often marketed to children. The chemicals were found in diet staples including Del Monte sliced peaches, Chicken of the Sea pink salmon, Fairlife Core Power high-protein chocolate milkshakes, Yoplait Original French vanilla low-fat yogurt, and Chef Boyardee Beefaroni pasta, according to recent testing of the supermarket staples by Consumer Reports.
Florida
Lawmakers advance bills to block, remove harmful chemicals from drinking water
Lawmakers are again working to reduce the prevalence in Florida’s drinking water of long-lasting chemicals with bad bearings on human health through two bills that may unite before the end of Session. One focuses on the source of chemicals: industrial producers of common, everyday-used products. The other concerns itself with what comes out of the tap.
Michigan
Health officials widen state testing area for toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
Health officials in northwest Michigan are working to remove toxic “forever chemicals” from local drinking water. The state of Michigan’s investigation into the Pellston community’s water contamination began in 2020, after high school students sampled water from multiple residences near Pellston Regional Airport.
DOD to target ‘forever chemicals’ near Michigan military base — again
The U.S. Department of Defense plans to install two more groundwater treatment systems at a former Michigan military base to control contamination from so-called “forever chemicals. Environmentalists say the systems will help prevent PFAS from spreading into the Clarks Marsh area and the Au Sable River near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda on the shores of Lake Huron.
Minnesota
Minnesota reduces acceptable ‘forever chemicals’ levels below detectability
Minnesota is shrinking the amount of PFAS chemicals — also known as “forever chemicals” — measured in our water before they are considered dangerous to our health. For the first time, they’re changing guidelines based on research on humans coming in and showing just how dangerous it can be, including an acknowledgment that the chemicals are likely carcinogenic.
New York
New York’s DEC and DOH update Petersburgh residents on PFAS contamination probe
New York State health and environmental officials held a meeting in Petersburgh this month to update residents on the years-long investigation into PFAS contamination in the Rensselaer County community. PFAS contamination of water supplies in the Town of Petersburgh has been linked to a facility operated by Taconic. The company agreed to a $23.5 million settlement with the town in 2021.
Ohio
Dayton to spend millions to reduce PFAS chemicals in city, county drinking water
Dayton city government has approved spending millions of dollars to try to reduce the level of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water system. The city plans to expand its PFAS testing capabilities and it wants to increase groundwater production at a well field that has non-detectable amounts of the “forever chemicals.”
Wisconsin
Sewage often becomes fertilizer, but the issue is it’s tainted with PFAS
The water from our sinks, showers and toilets contain the chemicals known as PFAS. As WBUR’s Barbara Moran explains, all those so-called forever chemicals are going into wastewater treatment plants. The question now is, where do they go from there?
