Welcome to the forefront of PFAS knowledge with the SGS PFAS Academy! For over two decades, SGS has been immersed in the world of PFAS, pioneering commercial environmental measurement and setting industry standards on best practice. At the SGS PFAS Academy, we offer a wealth of resources tailored to meet all your needs on PFAS.
The news on PFAS intensifies on multiple fronts this month. Lawsuits target the EPA’s new drinking water standard and plastic makers for contamination, while British Columbia sues companies that manufacture PFAS. Contamination concerns persist as new studies reveal widespread presence in source water and the Great Lakes, prompting cleanups in Arizona and California. Public action is also rising, with residents demanding answers and California taking steps to address firefighting foam pollution. Research continues to shed light on health risks, linking PFAS exposure to obesity, hypertension, and heart disease in some populations. Additionally, scientists are developing methods to detect PFAS in soil and exploring safer alternatives for everyday products.
SGS North America’s Dayton lab received DoD accreditation for PFAS and EPA Method TO-15 in air analysis. This allows us to test and analyze samples to support environmental restoration projects at DoD sites. The lab is qualified to perform tests including air quality and PFAS levels in drinking and non-potable water. This accreditation strengthens SGS’s ability to service DoD projects and contribute to environmental cleanup efforts.
We are excited to announce a significant achievement for our SGS laboratory in Orlando, FL which has recently obtained a new accreditation through the Department of Energy Consolidated Audit Program (DOECAP) for non-radioactive samples. Under the DOECAP-Accreditation Program (DOECAP-AP), we are now equipped to provide assurance to DOE sites that our contracted commercial laboratory can support the DOE on a wide range of parameters ranging from general chemistry to PFAS by EPA 533, 537.1 and 1633.
US News by State
National
Lawyers to Plastics Makers: Prepare for ‘Astronomical’ PFAS Lawsuits
A lawyer predicts a surge of lawsuits against plastic makers due to PFAS contamination. PFAS, or “forever chemicals”, are linked to serious health problems and are found in many everyday products. The government is taking steps to regulate PFAS and lawsuits are already being filed. The industry is preparing to fight these lawsuits while scientists continue to research the health effects of PFAS.
Digging Deep: Emerging Contaminants in Soil
A new article discusses the growing threat of emerging contaminants to soil health. These contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, PFAS, and microplastics, can harm the environment and human health. The complex nature of soil makes it difficult to detect and quantify these contaminants, but scientists are developing new methods to do so. Researchers are also working on ways to remediate contaminated soil and develop sustainable agricultural practices. With continued research and collaboration, we can protect soil health for future generations.
US industry groups sue to block ‘forever chemical’ drinking-water rule
Industry groups are suing to block the EPA’s new rule limiting PFAS in drinking water. This is the first ever national standard for PFAS, which are linked to health problems and are found in many consumer and commercial products. The industry groups argue the rule is exceeding the EPA’s authority and not based on sound science. Water utilities also filed a separate lawsuit over the compliance costs. The EPA defends the rule, saying it will protect public health.
Online reports claimed popular bandages contain harmful PFAS chemicals. However, the study behind these claims wasn’t conducted by a scientific institution but by a “green parenting community.” They measured organic fluorine, an indicator of potential PFAS presence, not the chemicals themselves. Further scientific research is needed to confirm these findings.
Arizona
EPA orders the Air Force, Arizona National Guard to clean up groundwater contamination
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered the U.S. Air Force and Arizona National Guard to clean up PFAS in Tucson’s groundwater. The contamination came from nearby military sites and threatens a water treatment facility. The Air Force and National Guard have 60 days to propose a remediation plan to ensure the water is safe for drinking. Tucson Water stopped using the contaminated water in 2021 and is concerned about the long-term impact on its water resources.
California
New laws to help SLO County airport prevent pollution from toxic firefighting foam
A new law package aims to help airports like San Luis Obispo County Regional transition away from polluting firefighting foam and clean up contamination. The law creates grants to help airports buy new equipment and covers some cleanup costs. It also requires the Federal Aviation Administration to report on its plans to phase out the old foams. This comes after years of the old foam contaminating groundwater near the SLO County Airport.
Indiana
Study: PFAS building up in 3 of 5 Great Lakes
A University of Indiana study found PFAS are accumulating in 3 of the 5 Great Lakes, with Lake Michigan showing the highest levels. The study traced how PFAS moves throughout the lakes, raising concerns about potential health risks.
Kentucky
American Water to Contribute Expertise to Panel at the 2024 MACRUC Annual Conference
American Water, the largest U.S. water utility company, shared its knowledge at a session on regulations in the water industry at the Mid-America Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners. The company’s president from New Jersey participated in a discussion about recent rules regarding PFAS found in water. The conference took place in Louisville, Kentucky from June 23rd to 26th.
Washington
PFAS are man-made chemicals found in many everyday products. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health problems, including low birth weight, certain cancers, and immune system problems. There are ways to reduce your exposure, such as using stainless steel cookware and filtering your drinking water. Researchers are also developing safer alternatives to PFAS.
Canada
EcoOnline Chemical Manager Enables Faster PFAS Substitutions for North American Businesses
EcoOnline’s Chemical Manager software helps businesses in North America comply with regulations and find safer alternatives to harmful PFAS. Stricter PFAS regulations are being implemented across North America, and this software offers features like a substitution module and up-to-date legislation lists to aid businesses in the transition to safer chemicals. Chemical Manager also helps with managing safety data sheets and provides mobile access for users.
B.C. launches lawsuit against makers of ‘forever chemicals’
British Columbia sued companies that make “forever chemicals”, claiming these chemicals contaminate drinking water. The lawsuit targets companies like 3M and DuPont, saying they knew the dangers but didn’t warn the public. These chemicals are found in non-stick cookware and stain-resistant carpets, and may cause health problems.
North Bay residents express concerns over PFAS in municipal water drinking supply
Over 200 residents of North Bay attended information sessions about PFAS, chemicals found in firefighting foam that seeped into the soil and contaminated Trout Lake, the city’s drinking water source. Residents are concerned about the health effects of PFAS and how long it will take to clean up. The city, military and health officials are working together on a $20 million project to remove contaminated soil and install a barrier to prevent further PFAS contamination. Although current levels are below the recommended limit, Health Canada is proposing a stricter standard that North Bay’s water would exceed. Cleanup is expected to begin this fall.
Global
Prenatal exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ may increase obesity and hypertension risk in children
A new study suggests that exposure to a mix of everyday chemicals during pregnancy, including those in cosmetics, food packaging, and furniture, can increase a child’s risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and other health problems later in life. The study examined hundreds of mothers and their children in Europe and found that exposure to certain metals, flame retardants, and PFAS during pregnancy was linked to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome in children. The researchers believe this is because these chemicals can disrupt hormones and development in the womb.
Forever chemicals: Report finds ‘alarming’ levels of groundwater contamination in Europe
A new report by the European Pesticide Action Network (PAN) revealed high levels of a previously unknown “forever chemical” called Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in groundwater across Europe. TFA is a type of man-made chemical that persists in the environment and has been linked to health problems. The levels found were concerningly high, especially considering TFA is not currently regulated by the EU. This contamination likely violates the existing Water Framework Directive and highlights the need for stricter regulations on these harmful chemicals.
PFAS Linked to an Increased Risk of Heart Diseases in Postmenopausal Women
A new study linked PFAS, which are found in nonstick pans, drinking water and many other everyday products, to an increased risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women. The chemicals seem to interact with inflammatory pathways in older women, which can raise the risk of heart disease. The study focused on two types of PFAS and found they affected different inflammatory factors, suggesting not all PFAS are the same. While there’s no way to remove PFAS from the body, researchers recommend avoiding further exposure by using PFAS-free products.
“Forever Chemicals” Can Penetrate Human Skin
A new study reveals that certain chemicals used in everyday products like clothing and cosmetics can enter the human body through the skin. The study investigated 17 different PFAS and found that most can be absorbed through the skin, potentially increasing human exposure to these harmful substances.
