The Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are thousands and are all around us. They are currently in the spotlight as evidenced by worrying headlines in the newspapers all over the world. In this article, you will discover what PFAS substances are, where they come from, and why we should be concerned about them.

What are PFAS?

Thousands of PFAS substances form a family of chemicals that have been manufactured by humans since the 1940s. These compounds do not exist in nature. They contain carbon-fluorine chains in their molecules, one of the strongest chemical bonds. The best-known PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS).

 

Why are PFAS widely used?

The extremely strong chemical bonds of PFAS give them their unique and very useful characteristics. They have some or all of the following properties:

  • They repel oil, water, and other liquids.
  • They are temperature-resistant
  • They reduce friction
  • They are stable and resistant to grease, oil, water, and heat.

 

Where are PFAS found?

The answer is simple: everywhere!

PFAS are used in thousands of products and manufacturing processes. While some PFAS have been phased out, banned, or restricted, others continue to be used in new product development around the world. Some examples of products and applications containing PFAS include:

  • Food packaging (e.g. some microwave popcorn bags or pizza boxes) and non-stick cookware: PFAS repel grease and help keep food airtight.
  • Coating and insulation: coating of electrical wires, reduction of mechanical wear of metals and paints for the prevention of corrosion.
  • Firefighting: Some aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) containing PFAS, are used to fight fires involving hazardous flammable liquids.
  • Clothing and textiles: waterproof outdoor clothing, stain-resistant carpets and textiles, personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Manufacturing processes: for industries producing semiconductors, plastics, composite resins, etc.

The presence of PFAS is not limited to these products and applications. During manufacturing processes and as part of waste management, PFAS can be transferred into the air, water, and soil, and ultimately end up in food products.

 

Health Risks of PFAS

PFAS enter the bodies of humans and animals and remain there for a long time. Studies around the world have revealed the presence of PFAS in human blood.

A large number of studies have looked at possible relationships between blood levels of PFAS and adverse health outcomes in people. However, not all these studies looked at the same groups of people, the same type of exposure, or the same PFAS. As a result, different studies have reported a variety of health outcomes. Research in humans suggests that high levels of some PFAS can lead to:

  • An increase in cholesterol levels
  • A decreased response to vaccines in children
  • Changes in liver enzymes
  • An increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
  • A slight decrease in the birth weight of babies
  • An increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer.

 

Environmental risks of PFAS

Environmental risks are just as difficult to determine as human health risks. But several areas of concern emerge:

  • PFAS easily enter water supplies and bodies of water and are very difficult to remove or dispose of.
  • PFAS can be absorbed by plants and accumulate in the bodies of fish and wildlife. It potentially possesses a risk to human health by being consumed.
  • PFAS do not occur naturally, so we do not know how they interact in natural systems.

Reliable removal procedures are very costly and difficult to control because PFAS are very persistent. They can spread quickly and long distances from their source by diverse means like air, water, or soil leaching.

 

Some examples of health and social crises

The most iconic case gave rise to the film Dark Waters. In the USA, 70,000 people and their livestock were exposed to PFOA through drinking water. Primary cancers of 21 different types were detected in the region. The case resulted in a historic financial settlement of $671 million, paid by the industrialist to the 3,500 plaintiffs.

In Italy, groundwater contaminated with PFAS by a chemical plant has poisoned 350,000 people since the 1960s. The environmental damage caused by PFAS has been estimated at €136.8 million.

In Australia, the discovery of PFAS soil contamination has halted tunneling work, delaying construction by at least a year and putting 200 workers out of work.

 

Challenges in PFAS Treatment:

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) treatment presents a number of challenges due to their chemical properties and widespread presence. Here are some of the major challenges:

  • Persistence: PFAS are highly resistant to degradation, making complete destruction difficult.
  • Short-chain PFAS: These are harder to remove with traditional methods like activated carbon.
  • Waste disposal: Many treatment methods concentrate PFAS into a smaller volume, creating hazardous waste that still needs to be dealt with.

PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) can be treated using several methods, but due to their chemical stability, finding effective solutions is challenging. Each method has specific use cases, and in many scenarios, a combination of approaches may be necessary to fully address PFAS contamination.

 

Facing a PFAS Challenge?

Antea Group is here to help. Whether you need expert risk assessments, tailored remediation solutions, or guidance navigating complex regulations, our team of specialists has the knowledge and tools to tackle even the toughest PFAS issues. Don’t let PFAS contamination put your business at risk—contact us today for comprehensive support and proven solutions to protect your operations and the environment.

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