PFAS Pulse

Study finds expensive smartwatch bands may contain high levels of "forever chemicals." Learn about the potential risks and safer alternatives for fitness tracker wristbands.

EEA assessment unveils alarming PFAS levels in European water bodies. Discover the extent of contamination, health risks, and ongoing efforts to combat this environmental crisis

The Netherlands adds all PFAS to its "substances of very high concern" list, requiring companies to minimise use and prevent emissions. Learn about the new regulations and their impact on industries.

Discover the link between PFAS exposure and health risks in young adults. A recent study reveals how ‘forever chemicals’ may impact gut health and increase kidney disease risk. Learn more about PFAS effects on well-being and implications for public health.

Several states are intensifying efforts to ban PFAS, or ‘forever chemicals,’ in consumer products due to growing health concerns. This post explores the latest legislative developments in 2024, highlighting how state-level actions are addressing the environmental and public health impacts of these toxic substances. Learn about the products affected and the potential benefits of these bans.

Australia has updated its PFAS guidelines for drinking water safety, proposing stricter limits for key ‘forever chemicals’ like PFOS, PFOA, and more. Learn about the draft guidelines, their impact on public health, and the consultation process leading to final regulations in 2025.

October, 2024 The Environment Agency (EA) in England has raised concerns over the rising number of sites polluted with toxic PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals.” Sites such as a former RAF airfield and fire protection equipment suppliers are flagged as problem areas, yet the EA says it lacks sufficient budget to address these growing contamination issues. Current efforts are focused on just four sites, while the total number of contaminated locations could exceed 10,000. PFAS have been linked to cancer and other health risks, with widespread use in firefighting foams being a key source of contamination. Despite the severity of the issue, the cost of investigating and cleaning these sites is daunting, with estimates for just the four current problem sites running between £1.8m and £2.7m. The agency’s entire contaminated land budget is only £500,000, leaving little room to expand efforts. Environmental organisations have called for urgent action and emphasized the importance of holding the chemical industry accountable. The UK government has begun reviewing its environmental plans, and the EA continues to work with local authorities to better understand the scope of PFAS pollution. However, significant financial and policy challenges remain in tackling this critical environmental issue. For further reading, please click here .

October, 2024 A new study from North Carolina State University estimates that it could take over 40 years to naturally flush PFAS chemicals out of contaminated groundwater in North Carolina’s Cumberland and Bladen counties. The research used a novel combination of groundwater age-dating tracers, PFAS concentration data, and groundwater flow rates to model future contamination levels in groundwater discharging into tributaries of the Cape Fear River. The findings show that contamination from the Fayetteville Works fluorochemical plant affects both private wells and river water, impacting nearby populations. PFAS concentrations detected in groundwater samples were well above EPA standards, with the most common chemicals, HFPO-DA and PMPA, reaching up to 498 nanograms per liter. Despite reduced PFAS air emissions since 2019, the study suggests that groundwater contamination will continue for decades, with PFAS slowly seeping from low-permeability zones and entering surface water. Even in a best-case scenario without further atmospheric deposition, researchers predict that it will take around 40 years for past PFAS emissions to fully flush out of the groundwater. The team plans to expand this research to model future contamination at individual wells and explore potential health impacts from historical PFAS exposure. For further reading, please click here.

October, 2024 The global PFAS testing market is poised for significant growth, driven by increased awareness of the environmental and health risks posed by these persistent “forever chemicals.” Valued at $335.9 million in 2023, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.33%, reaching $893.2 million by 2034. The rising demand for advanced testing methods like mass spectrometry and chromatography is fueled by stricter regulations and the need to monitor PFAS contamination in water, soil, and air. The Asia-Pacific region is leading the market, with countries like China, India, and Japan experiencing growing demand for PFAS testing services due to rapid industrialization and stricter environmental regulations. This growth is particularly significant in drinking water testing, as governments and industries focus on ensuring public safety. The market is also seeing increased demand for reference materials and analytical standards, which are essential for ensuring accurate test results. As the regulatory landscape tightens globally, key players such as Agilent Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Merck KGaA are expanding their market presence through partnerships and innovations. The adoption of the ISO method and advancements in eco-friendly testing techniques are expected to further drive market expansion, solidifying the importance of PFAS testing in environmental and health safety compliance. For further reading, please click here.