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The Growing Concern of PFAS: Regulations, Remediation, and Reducing Risks

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries around the globe since the 1940s. They are found in a wide range of consumer products, such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and some firefighting foams.

Key Points About PFAS

  1. Chemical Properties: PFAS are characterized by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them resistant to heat, water, and oil. This stability is what makes them useful but also persistent in the environment and in the human body.
  2. Environmental Impact: PFAS are persistent organic pollutants, meaning they do not break down easily in the environment. They can accumulate over time in the air, soil, water, and living organisms, leading to long-term environmental contamination.
  3. Health Concerns: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health issues, including:
    • Increased cholesterol levels
    • Changes in liver enzymes
    • Increased risk of thyroid disease
    • Decreased vaccine response in children
    • Increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer
  4. Regulation and Mitigation: Due to their environmental and health impacts, there has been increasing regulatory scrutiny on PFAS. Many countries and regions are implementing stricter controls on the production, use, and disposal of PFAS. Efforts are also underway to develop safer alternatives and to clean up contaminated sites.
  5. Recent Developments: The biggest recent development is the listing of PFOS and PFOA as CERCLA hazardous substances. Reporting limits have been established. There is ongoing research into the effects of PFAS and efforts to mitigate their impact. This includes the development of technologies to remove PFAS from water supplies and the creation of safer chemical alternatives. The EPA has released Regional Screening Levels for several PFAS. Also the proposed MCL for PFOA and PFOS is 4 parts per trillion (PPT). NJ Groundwater Quality Standards are currently 13 and 14 PPT.

PFAS Sampling Fact Sheet

Contaminated Site Remediation & Redevelopment announced on August 28, 2024,  that the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Sampling Fact Sheet is now available at: PFAS Sampling Fact Sheet.

This fact sheet was created by a work group comprised of DEP staff and stakeholders to supplement the Field Sampling Procedures Manual’s Chapter 3 – Contaminants of Emerging Concern (https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/srp/chapter_3_contaminants_of_emerging_concern.pdf). The PFAS fact sheet provides environmental professionals with information on analytical methods, sampling considerations, and investigative derived waste information.

The fact sheet can also be found on the Contaminants of Emerging Concern webpage (https://dep.nj.gov/srp/emerging-contaminants/) and the Field Sampling Procedures Manual webpage page (https://dep.nj.gov/srp/guidance/fspm).

Leading State – New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania

NJ, NY and PA have been at the forefront of addressing PFAS contamination through regulatory measures, monitoring, and remediation efforts. These actions reflect a growing awareness of the risks posed by PFAS and a commitment to protecting public health and the environment.

New Jersey

  1. Drinking Water Standards:
  • PFNA (Perfluorononanoic Acid): In 2018, New Jersey became the first state to set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFNA in drinking water at 13 parts per trillion (ppt).
  • PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid): In 2020, New Jersey established MCLs of 14 ppt for PFOA and 13 ppt for PFOS.
  1. Legislation and Regulation:
  • New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has been proactive in investigating and addressing PFAS contamination. They have required responsible parties to conduct remediation and provide alternate water supplies where contamination exceeds state standards.
  • In NJ, LSRPs are required to state if contaminants of emerging concern have been assessed:
        • What is the status of the investigation of 1,4-dioxane?
        • What is the status of the investigation of perchlorate?
        • What is the status of the investigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including but not limited to perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) compounds?
        • What is the status of the investigation of 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP)?
  • The NJDEP also adopted a rule to require facilities with PFAS discharges to monitor and report their PFAS emissions and releases.
  1. PFAS Task Force:
  • New Jersey formed a PFAS Task Force to coordinate efforts to address PFAS contamination. This includes monitoring, regulation, public outreach, and remediation efforts.

New York

New York State has been a national leader in addressing PFAS contamination, pushing for federal recognition of the issue since 2016. New York established a Water Quality Rapid Response Team to investigate and address contamination swiftly, serving as a model for other states. The state also passed the $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act to upgrade drinking water systems, protect sources, and fund PFAS remediation efforts. New York was the first state to regulate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, ensuring polluters are held accountable and spearheading initiatives like firefighting foam collection for safe disposal.

Pennsylvania

  1. Drinking Water and Environmental Standards:
  • Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) has been working on establishing its own state-level MCLs for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.
  • The state has also undertaken comprehensive sampling programs to determine the extent of PFAS contamination in public water systems.
  1. Governor’s PFAS Action Team:
  • In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf established the PFAS Action Team to address PFAS contamination across the state. This team includes representatives from various state agencies and focuses on identifying contamination sources, assessing risks, and developing response strategies.
  1. Sampling and Monitoring:
  • PADEP launched a statewide sampling plan to test public water systems and other potentially affected areas for PFAS contamination. The results of this sampling are being used to inform regulatory and remediation actions.
  1. Public Health and Safety Initiatives:
  • Pennsylvania has been involved in public outreach and education efforts to inform residents about the risks associated with PFAS and the measures being taken to protect public health.

Reducing Exposure to PFAS

Here are some practical steps to help minimize potential health risks in daily life:

1. Filter Your Drinking Water

  • Use Water Filters: Install activated carbon or reverse osmosis water filters, which are effective at removing PFAS from drinking water. Ensure the filter is certified to reduce PFAS.
  • Avoid Bottled Water: Some bottled water may contain PFAS. Check for brands that provide PFAS-free certification.

2. Avoid Non-Stick Cookware

  • Choose Alternatives: Use stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware instead of non-stick pans, which may contain PFAS.
  • Check Labels: Look for cookware labeled “PFAS-free.”

3. Be Mindful of Food Packaging

  • Avoid Fast Food Wrappers: Some fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags contain PFAS. Limit consumption of these foods or transfer them to PFAS-free containers before heating.
  • Use Glass or Stainless Steel Containers: Store food in glass or stainless steel rather than plastic containers that may contain PFAS.

4. Select PFAS-Free Personal Care Products

  • Read Labels: Avoid cosmetics and personal care products that list PTFE or “fluoro” ingredients.
  • Choose Natural Products: Opt for natural or organic personal care items when possible.

5. Choose PFAS-Free Clothing and Fabrics

  • Check Labels: Avoid clothing, upholstery, and carpets labeled as stain-resistant, water-resistant, or water-repellent, as they may contain PFAS.
  • Opt for Natural Fabrics: Choose untreated cotton, wool, or other natural fibers.

6. Be Cautious with Outdoor Gear

  • Avoid Treated Gear: Camping and outdoor gear, such as tents and jackets, may be treated with PFAS to make them water-resistant. Look for PFAS-free alternatives.
  • Check Brand Commitments: Some brands are committed to eliminating PFAS from their products. Support these brands.

And this link: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/meaningful-and-achievable-steps-you-can-take-reduce-your-risk

For more information on PFAS and environmental assessments contact Andy Basehoar, LSRP, PG, Site Remediation Program Manager at andyb@ttienv.com