PFAS News

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 PFAS News - January 30th, 2025:

In a recent study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, researchers investigated the bioaccumulation of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its effects on oxidative stress in snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) living downstream from the Griffiss Air Force Base in New York. The study highlights the alarming presence of PFOS in aquatic environments and its potential biological consequences. The study found elevated PFOS levels in snapping turtles and their surrounding water, particularly near Griffiss Air Force Base, a known contamination source due to its historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). The highest recorded PFOS concentration in turtle plasma was 498 ppb. PFOS levels in water samples declined with increasing distance from the base, confirming localized contamination hotspots. The accumulation of PFOS was correlated with increased oxidative stress that is known to cause cellular damage, potential immune suppression, and long-term health effects in exposed wildlife.

These findings raise concerns about population-level impacts on turtles and other aquatic species inhabiting PFAS-contaminated waters.

 The bioaccumulation of PFAS in turtles serves as a warning sign for broader ecosystem and human health risks. Since PFAS can transfer through food chains, contamination at the aquatic level may extend to fish, birds, and even humans consuming water and seafood from affected areas. The work demonstrates the need for further regulation, research, and development of treatment technologies for PFAS. 

PFAS News - January 14, 2025: The EPA released a draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for PFOA and PFOS, addressing potential human health and environmental risks associated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in sewage sludge.

The document proposes a starting concentration of 1 part per billion (ppb) for both PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge as a baseline for the central tendency risk assessment. This low concentration is below most current sewage sludge levels in the U.S. and aligns with the detection limits of standard laboratory methods, such as EPA Method 1633. While this concentration is intended as a modeling reference rather than an enforceable limit, it highlights potential risk thresholds associated with PFOA and PFOS exposure.

Key Takeaways:

Risk in Land Applications: Sewage sludge contaminated with PFOA and PFOS poses significant risks, particularly when applied to farmland for pasture, crops, or reclamation, or disposed of at surface sites without liners.

High-Risk Exposure Pathways: Key exposure pathways include drinking milk from livestock exposed to contaminated sludge, consuming polluted water, and eating crops grown in contaminated soils.

Variable Risks: The level of risk depends on factors such as sludge concentration, frequency of application, environmental conditions, and human consumption patterns.

PFAS News - January 11th: Still waiting for biosolids risk assessment from EPA. PFAS in biosolids pose significant environmental and public health concerns. In April 2024, the EPA released PFAS drinking water regulations, and a biosolids risk assessment, based on research since 2022, was also expected late in 2024. Biosolids, derived from treated wastewater, often contain PFAS from industrial discharges, household products, and municipal waste. When used as fertilizer or disposed of, PFAS can leach into soil, water, and crops, impacting ecosystems and health. While the EPA has developed methods like EPA Method 1633 to measure PFAS in biosolids, the absence of federal regulations and complex treatment methods complicate safe waste management.

PFAS News - December 18th: A new study, published in Env. Sci. & Tech. Letters and led by Alyssa Wicks from the University of Notre Dame, investigates the presence of Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) in fluoroelastomer-based watch bands, a category of synthetic rubbers used for their durability. Analysis revealed that many watch bands contained high levels of PFHxA, with potential exposure through dermal absorption due to prolonged skin contact. These findings emphasize the need for further research into the human health implications of PFHxA exposure and highlight its regulatory and safety concerns. 

PFAS News - On December 11th Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against 3M and DuPont, accusing the companies of misleading the public about the health risks of PFAS chemicals in their products. The lawsuit seeks damages and remediation costs, alleging that the companies knowingly polluted Texas waterways and jeopardized public health.

 PFAS News - December 2nd: The NSW Government, in collaboration with Sydney Water, is installing an advanced PFAS treatment system at the Cascade Water Filtration Plant (utilizing GAC and IEX) to significantly reduce PFAS levels in drinking water, with full operation expected by late 2024. This initiative aligns with proposed updates to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and reinforces efforts to ensure safe and reliable water for Blue Mountains communities. 

PFAS News -  Nov. 14th: The Biden-Harris Administration, through the EPA, has made unprecedented progress in addressing PFAS pollution by establishing enforceable drinking water standards, investing $10 billion in infrastructure projects, and holding polluters accountable for cleanup efforts. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce public health risks, advance research, and implement strong regulatory measures to combat the widespread impacts of these harmful chemicals.

PFAS News - Patrick Space Force Base, has a history of using firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals, which contaminated soil, groundwater, and drinking water consumed by military personnel and nearby residents. Victims, including veterans and their families, are now filing lawsuits to seek compensation for illnesses linked to PFAS exposure, such as various cancers, with updates in May 2024 highlighting the eligibility of affected individuals to pursue legal claims.