The Future of PFAS Regulation
The Urgency of PFAS Regulation The issue of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, has gained significant attention. These chemicals are everywhere. They are in our homes, our water, and our bodies. The health risks they pose are becoming clearer. This has prompted a call for stricter regulation. The United States is at a pivotal […]
PFAS in Biosolids: The Peril in Agriculture
The Problem with Biosolids In industries and homes, PFAS find their way into products. These chemicals end up in sewage. Treatment plants process this sewage. They produce biosolids. Farmers use these for crop growth. This seems eco-friendly. Yet, it brings risks. PFAS in biosolids can contaminate soil. This affects crop health. It can also reach […]
EPA Lowers National Air Quality Standards
Overview The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on February 7, 2024, released its Final Rule lowering the air quality standard for fine particulate matter. This standard was lowered from the current level of 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9. Background Some fine particulate is emitted directly, such as from fuel combustion by vehicles or power […]
Firefighters on the Frontline:
Unraveling the PFAS Exposure Puzzle Firefighters are modern-day heroes, bravely battling flames to protect lives and property. However, their valor comes at a cost that is often hidden – exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This exposure occurs primarily through the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and the materials used in their turnout […]
The Connection Between PFAS and Kidney Cancer
PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, continue infiltrating our environment, with over 98% of the US population displaying detectable levels in their blood. Researchers continue to study Forever Chemicals for their link to kidney cancer. This prompted Dr. Jonathan Hofmann and his team to lead a comprehensive study in 2020. The groundbreaking research, published in the […]
Landfills in the United States
Environmental Impacts and Health Hazards Landfills play a crucial role in waste management, but their environmental impacts and potential health hazards are often overlooked. In the United States, the consequences of extensive landfill use are becoming increasingly evident, raising concerns about the well-being of both the environment and nearby communities. Environmental Impacts Landfills generate various […]
Elevated PFAS in Firefighter Gear
The NIST released a new report in January 16, 2024 concerning PFAS in firefighting turnout gear. The report responds to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The first report shows a baseline by defining the type, concentration, and prevalence of PFAS in textiles used for new and unused Firefighter’s jackets and pants. […]
Withdrawing Opt-Out Elections
in the 3M Water Settlement The $12.5 billion 3M Public Water System class settlement presents an opportunity for the recovery of costs spent by water systems to respond to the PFAS crisis. However, Public Water Systems who opted out of the settlement could recover nothing. Fortunately, those who opted out may opt back in, provided […]
Dupont Water Settlement Deadlines & Payments
DuPont agreed to pay $1.085 billion to settle all damages caused to public drinking water systems by PFAS contamination. In sum, the Settlement Class includes all public water systems in the United States that draw from water sources that tested positive for PFAS at any level. The settlement divides water systems into Phase One and […]
EPA Announces New Steps to Protect Communities from PFAS
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new measures to safeguard communities and the environment from the health risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are persistent chemicals with slow breakdown rates, commonly used in various consumer, commercial, and industrial products. The EPA is proposing two rules to enhance its comprehensive strategy […]