Latest news with #PFAS-containing
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Science
- The Advertiser
Manufacturer 3M on notice for 'silent' but toxic PFAS
A set of "dangerous and insidious" chemicals detected at a river near a World Heritage site have been traced back to a former quarry used by manufacturing giant 3M. PFAS soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water have been found across a 100-hectare area of the inactive Brogans Creek lime quarry northwest of the Blue Mountains, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says. The environment authority has for the first time issued a notice and taken regulatory action against 3M and its local Australian arm. The quarry, in the state's central west, was historically used by 3M to test PFAS-containing firefighting foam. While "the scale of the onsite contamination is significant", there is limited human exposure because of the remoteness of the site, the environment regulator said. However, it found some of the chemicals eight kilometres downstream in the Capertee River within a national park. The levels found were above the national drinking guidelines. Ian Wright, an environmental science professor at Western Sydney University, said more data needs to be gathered about the "dangerous and insidious" chemicals. "The Capertee River is just upstream of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area so it has extremely high biodiversity values," he told AAP. "Because these chemicals build and build ... it's a silent burden that humans and animals are carrying around ... that could have very poor health outcomes." PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly. Emerging evidence has linked some PFAS to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. Even though the environment authority commended 3M for its co-operation, it said this is only the first step in what is likely a complex and lengthy remediation process to follow. Dr Wright warned this could be the beginning of a protracted legal battle to ascertain whether 3M or the local council ends up cleaning up the chemicals. "It's probably contaminated forever ... once the contamination is there, it's there for multiple lifetimes," he said. High-level contamination was detected in the drinking water catchment serving 30,000 people in the Blue Mountains in mid-2024. An eight-month WaterNSW investigation released earlier in May found contamination of two dams used for Blue Mountains drinking water may have occurred after separate motor vehicle accident sites on the Great Western Highway in 1992 and 2002 near the Medlow Bath township. The town's fire station was also a possible source of contamination. Test samples at all three sites revealed the chemical compound signature consistent with the historical use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foam, banned nationwide in 2007. Under the authority's clean-up notice, 3M Australia has 60 days to submit a detailed plan to manage PFAS pollution. "This is a significant moment for the EPA and one that represents an important milestone in our efforts to address legacy environmental harm," the authority's operations director David Gathercole said. "Though this is only the first step ... 3M has so far been co-operative voluntarily offering to conduct investigation to better understand the extent and legacy of PFAS contamination." The company has been contacted for comment. A set of "dangerous and insidious" chemicals detected at a river near a World Heritage site have been traced back to a former quarry used by manufacturing giant 3M. PFAS soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water have been found across a 100-hectare area of the inactive Brogans Creek lime quarry northwest of the Blue Mountains, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says. The environment authority has for the first time issued a notice and taken regulatory action against 3M and its local Australian arm. The quarry, in the state's central west, was historically used by 3M to test PFAS-containing firefighting foam. While "the scale of the onsite contamination is significant", there is limited human exposure because of the remoteness of the site, the environment regulator said. However, it found some of the chemicals eight kilometres downstream in the Capertee River within a national park. The levels found were above the national drinking guidelines. Ian Wright, an environmental science professor at Western Sydney University, said more data needs to be gathered about the "dangerous and insidious" chemicals. "The Capertee River is just upstream of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area so it has extremely high biodiversity values," he told AAP. "Because these chemicals build and build ... it's a silent burden that humans and animals are carrying around ... that could have very poor health outcomes." PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly. Emerging evidence has linked some PFAS to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. Even though the environment authority commended 3M for its co-operation, it said this is only the first step in what is likely a complex and lengthy remediation process to follow. Dr Wright warned this could be the beginning of a protracted legal battle to ascertain whether 3M or the local council ends up cleaning up the chemicals. "It's probably contaminated forever ... once the contamination is there, it's there for multiple lifetimes," he said. High-level contamination was detected in the drinking water catchment serving 30,000 people in the Blue Mountains in mid-2024. An eight-month WaterNSW investigation released earlier in May found contamination of two dams used for Blue Mountains drinking water may have occurred after separate motor vehicle accident sites on the Great Western Highway in 1992 and 2002 near the Medlow Bath township. The town's fire station was also a possible source of contamination. Test samples at all three sites revealed the chemical compound signature consistent with the historical use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foam, banned nationwide in 2007. Under the authority's clean-up notice, 3M Australia has 60 days to submit a detailed plan to manage PFAS pollution. "This is a significant moment for the EPA and one that represents an important milestone in our efforts to address legacy environmental harm," the authority's operations director David Gathercole said. "Though this is only the first step ... 3M has so far been co-operative voluntarily offering to conduct investigation to better understand the extent and legacy of PFAS contamination." The company has been contacted for comment. A set of "dangerous and insidious" chemicals detected at a river near a World Heritage site have been traced back to a former quarry used by manufacturing giant 3M. PFAS soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water have been found across a 100-hectare area of the inactive Brogans Creek lime quarry northwest of the Blue Mountains, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says. The environment authority has for the first time issued a notice and taken regulatory action against 3M and its local Australian arm. The quarry, in the state's central west, was historically used by 3M to test PFAS-containing firefighting foam. While "the scale of the onsite contamination is significant", there is limited human exposure because of the remoteness of the site, the environment regulator said. However, it found some of the chemicals eight kilometres downstream in the Capertee River within a national park. The levels found were above the national drinking guidelines. Ian Wright, an environmental science professor at Western Sydney University, said more data needs to be gathered about the "dangerous and insidious" chemicals. "The Capertee River is just upstream of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area so it has extremely high biodiversity values," he told AAP. "Because these chemicals build and build ... it's a silent burden that humans and animals are carrying around ... that could have very poor health outcomes." PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly. Emerging evidence has linked some PFAS to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. Even though the environment authority commended 3M for its co-operation, it said this is only the first step in what is likely a complex and lengthy remediation process to follow. Dr Wright warned this could be the beginning of a protracted legal battle to ascertain whether 3M or the local council ends up cleaning up the chemicals. "It's probably contaminated forever ... once the contamination is there, it's there for multiple lifetimes," he said. High-level contamination was detected in the drinking water catchment serving 30,000 people in the Blue Mountains in mid-2024. An eight-month WaterNSW investigation released earlier in May found contamination of two dams used for Blue Mountains drinking water may have occurred after separate motor vehicle accident sites on the Great Western Highway in 1992 and 2002 near the Medlow Bath township. The town's fire station was also a possible source of contamination. Test samples at all three sites revealed the chemical compound signature consistent with the historical use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foam, banned nationwide in 2007. Under the authority's clean-up notice, 3M Australia has 60 days to submit a detailed plan to manage PFAS pollution. "This is a significant moment for the EPA and one that represents an important milestone in our efforts to address legacy environmental harm," the authority's operations director David Gathercole said. "Though this is only the first step ... 3M has so far been co-operative voluntarily offering to conduct investigation to better understand the extent and legacy of PFAS contamination." The company has been contacted for comment. A set of "dangerous and insidious" chemicals detected at a river near a World Heritage site have been traced back to a former quarry used by manufacturing giant 3M. PFAS soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water have been found across a 100-hectare area of the inactive Brogans Creek lime quarry northwest of the Blue Mountains, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says. The environment authority has for the first time issued a notice and taken regulatory action against 3M and its local Australian arm. The quarry, in the state's central west, was historically used by 3M to test PFAS-containing firefighting foam. While "the scale of the onsite contamination is significant", there is limited human exposure because of the remoteness of the site, the environment regulator said. However, it found some of the chemicals eight kilometres downstream in the Capertee River within a national park. The levels found were above the national drinking guidelines. Ian Wright, an environmental science professor at Western Sydney University, said more data needs to be gathered about the "dangerous and insidious" chemicals. "The Capertee River is just upstream of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area so it has extremely high biodiversity values," he told AAP. "Because these chemicals build and build ... it's a silent burden that humans and animals are carrying around ... that could have very poor health outcomes." PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly. Emerging evidence has linked some PFAS to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. Even though the environment authority commended 3M for its co-operation, it said this is only the first step in what is likely a complex and lengthy remediation process to follow. Dr Wright warned this could be the beginning of a protracted legal battle to ascertain whether 3M or the local council ends up cleaning up the chemicals. "It's probably contaminated forever ... once the contamination is there, it's there for multiple lifetimes," he said. High-level contamination was detected in the drinking water catchment serving 30,000 people in the Blue Mountains in mid-2024. An eight-month WaterNSW investigation released earlier in May found contamination of two dams used for Blue Mountains drinking water may have occurred after separate motor vehicle accident sites on the Great Western Highway in 1992 and 2002 near the Medlow Bath township. The town's fire station was also a possible source of contamination. Test samples at all three sites revealed the chemical compound signature consistent with the historical use of PFAS-containing fire-fighting foam, banned nationwide in 2007. Under the authority's clean-up notice, 3M Australia has 60 days to submit a detailed plan to manage PFAS pollution. "This is a significant moment for the EPA and one that represents an important milestone in our efforts to address legacy environmental harm," the authority's operations director David Gathercole said. "Though this is only the first step ... 3M has so far been co-operative voluntarily offering to conduct investigation to better understand the extent and legacy of PFAS contamination." The company has been contacted for comment.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Manufacturer 3M warned over chemicals at quarry
The chemical conglomerate behind Post-it notes and Scotch-Brite has been handed a yellow card over "significant contamination" from historic toxic chemicals found in a quarry it leased. PFAS soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water have been found across a 100-hectare area of the inactive Brogans Creek lime quarry northwest of the Blue Mountains, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says. The authority has for the first time issued a clean-up notice and took regulatory action against 3M and its local Australian arm. "This is a significant moment for the EPA and one that represents an important milestone in our efforts to address legacy environmental harm," Operations Director David Gathercole said. "Though this is only the first step ... 3M has so far been co-operative voluntarily offering to conduct investigation to better understand the extent and legacy of PFAS contamination." PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly. Emerging evidence has linked some PFAS substances to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. The quarry, in the state's central west, was historically used by 3M to test PFAS-containing firefighting foam. The authority said while "the scale of the onsite contamination is significant", there is limited human exposure because of the remoteness of the site. However, it found some of the chemicals eight kilometres downstream in the Capertee River within a national park. They were considered to be above the national drinking guidelines. A sign has been erected warning park users to not drink river water. But recreational use including swimming remains safe, the authority said. Under the clean-up notice, 3M Australia has 60 days to submit a detailed plan to manage PFAS pollution. The company has been contacted for a comment. The chemical conglomerate behind Post-it notes and Scotch-Brite has been handed a yellow card over "significant contamination" from historic toxic chemicals found in a quarry it leased. PFAS soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water have been found across a 100-hectare area of the inactive Brogans Creek lime quarry northwest of the Blue Mountains, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says. The authority has for the first time issued a clean-up notice and took regulatory action against 3M and its local Australian arm. "This is a significant moment for the EPA and one that represents an important milestone in our efforts to address legacy environmental harm," Operations Director David Gathercole said. "Though this is only the first step ... 3M has so far been co-operative voluntarily offering to conduct investigation to better understand the extent and legacy of PFAS contamination." PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly. Emerging evidence has linked some PFAS substances to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. The quarry, in the state's central west, was historically used by 3M to test PFAS-containing firefighting foam. The authority said while "the scale of the onsite contamination is significant", there is limited human exposure because of the remoteness of the site. However, it found some of the chemicals eight kilometres downstream in the Capertee River within a national park. They were considered to be above the national drinking guidelines. A sign has been erected warning park users to not drink river water. But recreational use including swimming remains safe, the authority said. Under the clean-up notice, 3M Australia has 60 days to submit a detailed plan to manage PFAS pollution. The company has been contacted for a comment. The chemical conglomerate behind Post-it notes and Scotch-Brite has been handed a yellow card over "significant contamination" from historic toxic chemicals found in a quarry it leased. PFAS soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water have been found across a 100-hectare area of the inactive Brogans Creek lime quarry northwest of the Blue Mountains, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says. The authority has for the first time issued a clean-up notice and took regulatory action against 3M and its local Australian arm. "This is a significant moment for the EPA and one that represents an important milestone in our efforts to address legacy environmental harm," Operations Director David Gathercole said. "Though this is only the first step ... 3M has so far been co-operative voluntarily offering to conduct investigation to better understand the extent and legacy of PFAS contamination." PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly. Emerging evidence has linked some PFAS substances to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. The quarry, in the state's central west, was historically used by 3M to test PFAS-containing firefighting foam. The authority said while "the scale of the onsite contamination is significant", there is limited human exposure because of the remoteness of the site. However, it found some of the chemicals eight kilometres downstream in the Capertee River within a national park. They were considered to be above the national drinking guidelines. A sign has been erected warning park users to not drink river water. But recreational use including swimming remains safe, the authority said. Under the clean-up notice, 3M Australia has 60 days to submit a detailed plan to manage PFAS pollution. The company has been contacted for a comment. The chemical conglomerate behind Post-it notes and Scotch-Brite has been handed a yellow card over "significant contamination" from historic toxic chemicals found in a quarry it leased. PFAS soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water have been found across a 100-hectare area of the inactive Brogans Creek lime quarry northwest of the Blue Mountains, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says. The authority has for the first time issued a clean-up notice and took regulatory action against 3M and its local Australian arm. "This is a significant moment for the EPA and one that represents an important milestone in our efforts to address legacy environmental harm," Operations Director David Gathercole said. "Though this is only the first step ... 3M has so far been co-operative voluntarily offering to conduct investigation to better understand the extent and legacy of PFAS contamination." PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 15,000 highly toxic, synthetic chemicals used for their resistance to heat, stains and grease. They have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly. Emerging evidence has linked some PFAS substances to cancer, leading to tighter regulation of the substances, particularly in drinking water. The quarry, in the state's central west, was historically used by 3M to test PFAS-containing firefighting foam. The authority said while "the scale of the onsite contamination is significant", there is limited human exposure because of the remoteness of the site. However, it found some of the chemicals eight kilometres downstream in the Capertee River within a national park. They were considered to be above the national drinking guidelines. A sign has been erected warning park users to not drink river water. But recreational use including swimming remains safe, the authority said. Under the clean-up notice, 3M Australia has 60 days to submit a detailed plan to manage PFAS pollution. The company has been contacted for a comment.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Toxic Fast Food Condiment Mistake Everyone Needs To Avoid
Who doesn't love a splash of condiment with their fries? But before you start merrily squeezing bottles and sachets, the most serious of many mistakes people make at fast-food restaurants is one that's vital to avoid. It's official: It's time to go cold turkey on squirting condiments on paper bags. The hack might seem savvy, especially when you're bolting down burgers in the restrictive dining area of a driver's seat, or even seated inside your favorite fast-food restaraurant where crockery doesn't exist. But paper bags should never be used as makeshift plates or dipping bowls. According to a 2022 Consumer Reports study, this habit is — quite literally — toxic. It risks cross-contamination with a dangerous set of 10,000 substances, nicknamed the "forever chemicals," that are often found in fast-food packaging, particularly heat-, water-, and grease-repellent materials. The investigation found PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in varied packaging from many retailers when testing over 100 different products. Included in these alarm-bell-ringers were McDonald's, Trader Joe's, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A. Many of these companies have subsequently committed to reducing their reliance on PFAS-containing packaging. But is it worth the risk? Probably not. PFAS exposure is linked with cancer, organ damage, and hormonal difficulties; the chemicals transfer the exact risks to the environment, too, endangering wildlife. It's a dangerous cycle, so avoid non-traditional bag use and play it safe. Yes, it really is time to break the habit of a lifetime. Read more: For Fresh, Not Frozen Fast Food, Try These 12 Popular Chains Avoiding cross-contamination is a wise choice. Why juggle with fire? However, that is just one small step towards protecting yourself from PFAS. After committing to never again squirting condiments on your paper bags, what next? Ideally, limit the amount of fast food you consume. PFAS are heavily bio-accumulative, meaning they tend to build up in our systems over time. The less exposure to fast food, the lower your overall risk. If that sounds impossible, though, focus on limiting exposure to packaging instead. Remove the food from its wrappers immediately, and never reheat items in their original boxing. When heated, these containers can leach. Styrofoam and plastic are common culprits (hence why you should think twice before you reheat Chinese takeout in the containers). As for the future of fast-food packaging? You might recall that at least two fast food chains were sued over this forever chemicals report. One of these was McDonald's, which subsequently committed to eliminating all PFAS from its packaging by 2025. As of 2024, there were announcements that McDonald's was updating its McFlurry cups with sustainability in mind. And the FDA has said that packaging containing PFAS is no longer sold in the U.S. However, the agency continues to test many products and even allows them in some circumstances. In short, the needle is slowly moving. However, consumer awareness is non-negotiable — be proactive, and ensure you do your best to limit your own intake. There's no better protection than prevention. Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials investigating reasons for chemical spill that is impacting community: 'These ... just don't disappear'
Most people in Harpswell, Maine, had no idea anything was wrong until they were told not to eat the fish. A firefighting foam spill months earlier had quietly made its way into the water, and the chemicals were persistent. Locals are asking why it took so long to find out, and what it means for their health moving forward. Environmental officials in Maine are still assessing the fallout from the state's largest recorded spill of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) months after it happened. As News Center Maine reported, a malfunction at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station caused more than 50,000 gallons of water mixed with PFAS-laden firefighting foam to spill. The contaminated runoff traveled through storm drains and ponds before reaching Harpswell Cove. "These chemicals just don't disappear; they stay around, but the ocean is a big body of water, so it dilutes them," said senior research scientist Christoph Aeppli. According to the Harpswell Anchor, tests later revealed PFAS levels in the cove had jumped to 70 times higher than what was recorded just two years earlier. State agencies issued a warning against eating fish from the area, and community members are now worried about the safety of the water and wildlife they rely on. PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. They are used in a diverse range of products and substances, from cookware to firefighting foam. These synthetic compounds have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, liver damage, immune system harm, and reproductive issues, as Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health observed. These chemicals can build up in fish, soil, and drinking water. In the case of Harpswell Cove, nearby residents are concerned about what long-term exposure could mean for their health. According to the Environmental Working Group, 2,719 U.S. communities have documented PFAS contamination, and many of them are still waiting for cleanup plans or drinking water protections. In response to the Brunswick spill, Maine's Department of Environmental Protection has launched an investigation and stepped up water testing in the area. The U.S. Navy, which operated the former airbase, is also under pressure to expand cleanup and monitoring plans. Meanwhile, local environmental groups are conducting independent sampling to hold agencies accountable and track the spread of contamination. On the policy front, Maine has passed some of the nation's toughest PFAS laws, including a ban on most PFAS-containing products by 2030. More states are following suit, and the EPA finalized federal drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds, which will require utilities to start testing and filtering for them in the coming years. At home, you can help protect yourself by using water filters certified to remove PFAS and checking for contamination in your area through your state's health department or the EWG's tap water database. Taking action to educate yourself on toxic chemicals like PFAS and the health risks that come with them is one small but powerful step toward building a healthier, more resilient future. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Insurance companies consider drastic action to avoid unprecedented health claims: 'An increasing problem'
The threat of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, to spur litigation on a mass scale has led an insurance trade association in Germany to encourage insurance companies to reduce related protections in their commercial and product liability policies. PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly found in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant furniture, and many other household items. They are also known as "forever chemicals" for their ability to linger in the environment and in human bodies. Because exposure to PFAS has been linked to a myriad of health concerns, there are not only growing fears about the impacts of these chemicals on wellness but, for those in insurance, also the extent of the business liability that could be tied back to them. In response, the German Insurance Association, which represents the industry's interests, recently recommended that firms write PFAS damages out of their commercial and product liability plans as well as plans covering environmental risk, according to a mid-April report from Euractiv. The Lever reported in 2024 on the removal of PFAS coverage from some policyholders in the United States. The move may bear some similarity to insurance companies dropping homeowners' coverage for those in areas at high risk of damage from severe flooding and wildfires. Manufacturers may argue that PFAS are essential to upholding modern product quality. But the expanding body of research on the potential health repercussions of PFAS accumulation in humans, combined with an increasing number of related lawsuits, seems to have insurers inclined to view PFAS-containing products and contaminated water systems as major financial vulnerabilities. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has indicated that PFAS exposure may be associated with reproductive issues, developmental delays, increased cancer risks, and more. Per Euractiv, the German bank LBBW said in 2024 that PFAS liabilities could be "the most expensive claim in [the insurance industry's] entire history." While the deputy general director of the German Insurance Association, Anja Käfer-Rohrbach, carved out room in the new guidance for firms to negotiate PFAS coverage, she also said, "Ideally, the PFAS clause will also help to more quickly develop real alternatives to the dangerous forms of these perpetual chemicals." While it's possible that an insurance firm declining to cover a manufacturing company's PFAS liabilities might hypothetically discourage that company from using the chemicals in their products, there's significant risk that the costs of cutting commercial PFAS coverage could fall hardest on consumers, small businesses, and those seeking legal remedies to address PFAS exposure. And, going forward, there are likely to be many seeking such redress. In 2024, the New York Times reported that a lawyer speaking at a conference that year said PFAS litigation could "dwarf anything related to asbestos." In the same report, the Times observed PFAS exposures have the potential to impact just about everyone, unlike other highly litigated products such as tobacco, since "forever chemicals" are in so many consumer goods and in water systems too. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that around 45% of the country's drinking water could contain at least one PFAS. The European Environment Agency found that, from 2018 to 2022, "51-60% of rivers, 11-35% of lakes and 47-100% of transitional and coastal waters" contained PFAS at levels above environmental quality standards. In Germany, Euractiv reported, the "Association of Energy and Water Industries has called PFAS contamination in water resources 'an increasing problem' and has suggested ways to finance lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers over damages to things like municipal water supplies." Regardless of whether the German Insurance Association really hopes its guidance will encourage the development of PFAS alternatives, manufacturers could choose to phase out the chemicals themselves. We could also see more investments in innovative methods and technology to clean up PFAS. For example, a team of scientists from the University of Oxford and Colorado State University is currently working on using phosphate salts to break down the chemicals. In the meantime, monitoring efforts and support for pro-environment policies could help to limit exposures. Because PFAS stick around for so long, commitment to long-term efforts will be key. Individuals might work to limit their own personal exposure by opting for PFAS-free alternatives to household items. Swapping out non-stick cookware and using your own glass or stainless steel containers to bring leftovers home from restaurants are some places to start. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
