A few years ago the film “Dark Waters” examined the devastating impact of dumping wastewater containing PFAS/PFOS into a local farm stream killing 190 cows. The Wisconsin DNR and surrounding Midwest States, other than Michigan, are moving slowly when it comes to regulating this ever-growing list of fluorinated compounds. The author senses much trepidation when the topic is broached in public and maybe that is for good reason. The PFAS/PFOS dilemma is a real one. These fluorinated compounds are found in just about every industry. Aircraft Fire Fighting Foam (AFFF) was the first major compound targeted when it was found in drinking water near airports and military basis. The EPA has decided on a limit of 70 parts per trillion (PPT) but Michigan and Pennsylvania are demanding 35 PPT. Most the other 48 states will most likely follow this precedent. The analytical equipment necessary to measure to this extreme low PPT level require a triple quad mass spectrophotometer. Are the analytical services laboratories ready to take on this giant?
The regulations are coming, and nothing can stop them. It is only a matter of time. What are you going to do about PFAS / PFOS? Are you ready to dip your toe into those chilly “Dark Waters”?
What are PFAS / PFOS compounds? The list keeps growing.
- A large group (over 4,000) organic fluorinated chemicals; including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA
- 96 currently targeted by EPA (list is growing)
- Most researched & bioaccumulates in human blood & persists in humans for years.
- PFAS are anthropogenic chemicals and do not occur naturally in the environment.
- Are comprised of a carbon backbone containing many carbonfluorine (C-F) bonds (the C-F bond is the shortest and strongest in nature).
- Due to their unique chemical structure, PFAS are very stable and are resistant to biodegradation.
What types of products contain PFAS / PFOS? Just about everything.
- Industrial surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents
- Class B fire-fighting foams
- Electrical wire casings, thread seal tapes
- Food contact paper and packaging
- Clothing and carpets
- Outdoor textiles and sporting equipment
- Ski and snowboard waxes
- Non-stick cookware
- Cleaning agents and fabric softeners
- Polishes and waxes, and latex paints
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Hydraulic fluids
- Windshield wipers
- Paints, varnishes, dyes, and inks
- Adhesives
- Medical products
- Personal care products {for example, shampoo, hair conditioners, sunscreen, cosmetics, toothpaste, dental floss)
Why are they becoming regulated? These health risks are not good.
- Carcinogenicity (kidney & testicular)
- Cardiovascular tox (serum cholesterol)
- Endocrine tox (thyroid)
- Immunotoxicity (immume dysregulation)
- Reproductive toxicity (pregnancy hypertension)
- Bioaccumulative
- Maternal transfer Shorter chains (‘replacements’)
- Developmental toxicity (observed in zebrafish)
- Endocrine toxicity
- Hematoxicity
- Hepatotoxicity
- Neurodevelopmental toxicity
- Ocular toxicity (delayed pupil response in rodents)
- Reproductive & developmental toxicity
What methods are available to treat PFAS / PFOS? That list is pretty short.
- Adsorbents: Offer high removal rates, disposable media.
- Ion Exchange Resin: Offer high removal rates, expensive, disposable media, NSF approved.
- Granular Activated Carbon: Offer high removal rate, disposable media, NSF approved.
- Electrolysis: Very effective removal rate, but a higher equipment and energy cost. NSF approved.
- Reverse Osmosis: High removal rate, but also a high capital cost and concentrate waste.
- Biological–Fixed Earth: Slow removal rates, with high equipment and energy cost.
How can I learn more?
If you want to learn more about PFAS and ways to take action and minimize risk, request a site survey. Please click the link below, fill out the form and one of our Technical Engineers will be in touch.
Chris Fox
Director of Business Development, Watertech of America, Inc.
Chris has spent the last 25+ years in the water and wastewater treatment industry. A former equity partner and small business owner, he has held positions in sales, management, marketing and business development for global and regional companies. He received his bachelor's from St. Norbert College in Environmental Science and Biology.