AIR QUALITY

The Impact of Airborne PFAS

Exposure to PFAS through air can lead to significant health risks, including effects on the immune system, reproductive health, and increased risk of certain cancers. Environmentally, PFAS can accumulate and persist in the ecosystem, posing long-term ecological challenges. Our specialized services focus on assessing and mitigating these risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities and the environment.

Understanding PFAS in Air

PFAS, a group of human-made chemicals, are becoming an emerging concern in air quality management. Used in various industries for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, PFAS can be released into the air through industrial processes, affecting both environmental and human health. Understanding the behavior and impact of PFAS in the air is crucial for effective management and regulation.

Mitigating PFAS in Air

We offer comprehensive solutions for managing PFAS in air, from detailed analysis and monitoring to developing strategies for emission reduction and regulatory compliance. Our approach combines state-of-the-art technology with extensive expertise, ensuring that our clients effectively address PFAS-related challenges in their operations.

US EPA’s Take on PFAS in Air

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been actively addressing the issue of PFAS in various environmental mediums, including air. Here are some of the key actions and initiatives taken by the EPA and other federal agencies regarding PFAS, particularly focusing on air:

  • EPA PFAS Air Testing Method Standard: The EPA has released a new standard for testing PFAS in air emissions. This standard is a step towards establishing emissions standards for PFAS and is applicable not only to PFAS but to other substances as well.

  • Regulatory Agenda for PFAS: The EPA's regulatory plan for 2024 continues to focus aggressively on the regulation of PFAS. This includes significant reporting requirements and potential new liabilities for manufacturers, users, processors, and importers of PFAS and PFAS-containing articles. Companies are advised to prepare for these additional reporting requirements, especially as the new TSCA Rule in 2025 will require more than 130,000 companies to report on PFAS.

  • State Consumer Goods Restrictions: Several states, including California, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington, are imposing restrictions on certain consumer goods that contain PFAS. These restrictions typically prohibit the manufacture, distribution, or import of products with intentionally added PFAS above certain concentrations. Targeted products include food packaging, carpets, rugs, fabric treatments, children’s products, cookware, and cosmetics.

  • Expansion of PFAS Sampling and Monitoring: The EPA's efforts under the National PFAS Testing Strategy continue to expand, including issuing multiple rounds of testing orders to manufacturers. This is part of a broader strategy to understand and regulate PFAS emissions and contamination. Additionally, the EPA's 15th Effluent Limitations Guidelines Plan includes studies and rulemakings to address discharges from various industries that could release PFAS.

  • State-Specific Regulations and Compliance Deadlines: Various states have implemented new regulations effective from January 1, 2024, focusing on products like food packaging, cosmetics, children’s products, textiles, carpets, and cookware. For example, California's Assembly Bill 1200 requires labeling of chemicals (including PFAS) on cookware and prohibits advertising cookware as PFAS-free if it contains any PFAS.

  • Legal and Congressional Developments: EPA's CERCLA rulemaking, which is intended to use CERCLA as an enforcement tool to address PFAS contamination, could face legal challenges or be impacted by congressional actions.

  • These developments indicate a heightened focus on PFAS, particularly on their presence in air, and the need for industries to adapt to evolving regulations and standards. Companies should stay informed and prepared for compliance with these new regulations and standards