State environmental agencies are now requiring companies to test for a group of chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), after the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a new set of health advisories.
Background
The new advisories warn against exposure to PFAS. The most prevalent of these compounds include perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), according to the EPA. PFOA and PFOS are commonly used to make everyday products, including food packaging, nonstick products, and stain repellent fabrics, as well as firefighting materials. Because PFAS also help reduce friction, they are used in various other industries, including aerospace, automotive, building and construction, and electronics. In many areas where these compounds have been used or produced, it has been discovered that ground water sources have become impacted, posing another possible source of exposure for nearby communities.
Click here for the EPA’s guide to PFOA, PFOS, and related health advisories
How Penn E&R Can Help
To lessen further release of PFAS, most state environmental agencies are now requiring National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees to test their discharge for PFOA and PFOS. Penn E&R is thoroughly familiar with the EPA and other environmental agencies orchestrating these additional sampling requirements. We are able to provide technical support with ground water sampling for PFAS, which requires certain considerations and guidelines not typical with common ground water sampling efforts.
If you have further questions, or are interested in learning how Penn E&R can assist your company with sampling for PFAS, contact a Penn E&R professional at (215) 997-9000.
