Latest news with #PFAS-contaminated
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Latest Unlikely Source of 'Forever Chemicals' Is a Memorial Day Menu Staple
"Forever chemicals," or synthetic compounds that have been linked to cancer and other health problems, have now been found in beer Researchers with the American Chemical Society found in a new study that beer brewed in regions of the U.S. with forever chemicals in their tap water had the highest concentration of such chemicals "I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours," research lead Jennifer Hoponick Redmon saidThe synthetic compounds known as "forever chemicals" that have been linked to cancer and other health problems have been found in a popular beverage — and researchers believe these compounds make their way in through drinking water. A new study from the American Chemical Society published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology has found forever chemicals, or PFAS, have been found in beers from several regions around the U.S. According to a press release from researchers, it was previously proven that forever chemicals are present in hundreds of tap water systems around the country. This new study found that "beers produced in parts of the country with known PFAS-contaminated water sources showed the highest levels of forever chemicals." Research lead Jennifer Hoponick Redmon said in the release, "As an occasional beer drinker myself, I wondered whether PFAS in water supplies was making its way into our pints." Beer is made of about 90% water, and the rest is malt from grains such as barley, hops and yeast. The study found that almost two gallons of water are sometimes used to produce just one quart of beer. Although breweries usually have a water filtration system in place their tap water, "they are not necessarily effective at removing [forever chemicals]," and during production, tap water can potentially introduce "contaminants." To conduct the study, Hoponick Redmon and her colleagues tested 23 beers, some produced by "U.S. brewers in areas with documented water system contamination, plus popular domestic and international beers from larger companies with unknown water sources." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Forever chemicals were found in 95% of the beers they tested. The Environmental Protection Agency recently updated regulations for such chemicals — including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — when they extended deadlines to reduce the amount of PFOS and PFOA in Americans' tap water earlier this month. Although the study didn't name specific brands of beer, researchers found that beers brewed near Cape Fear River Basin in North Carolina had the highest levels and largest mix of forever chemicals. Beer from St. Louis County, Mo. also had large amounts of PFAS present. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! According to Hoponick Redmon, this strong correlation between forever chemicals in tap water and locally-brewed beer has not yet been studied in U.S. retail beer. Researchers now hope that this data can spread awareness to beer companies, and that regulators will step in and try to limit consumers' exposure to forever chemicals. The study also highlights the "possible need for water treatment upgrades at brewing facilities," as well as updates to tap water treatment centers. "I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours," Hoponick Redmon added. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Woman launches battle for justice after uncovering toxic threat in local community: 'I made a promise to God when I was sick'
When Brenda Hampton suffered two heart attacks, a stroke, and kidney failure linked to forever chemicals in her drinking water, she decided to become a community advocate for others impacted by the harmful chemicals. As reported, Hampton noticed that her neighbors were also dealing with similar health problems and said she traced them to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, in their water supplies. Their community is adjacent to the Tennessee River, where several industrial plants — including 3M — are located. Hampton founded the Concerned Citizens of North Alabama, an advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness about the health effects of drinking PFAS-contaminated water. She's also one of four people featured in a newly released book on PFAS called "Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America." PFAS have been found in drinking water across the United States, with one study finding that at least 45% of the nation's tap water could be contaminated with the chemicals. "Our idea was to take four different communities around the country that each have a unique type of PFAS problem. Unique among each other, but not unique nationwide," one of the book's co-authors, Sharon Udasin, told the news outlet. Hampton told that she kept herself going with the goal of saving others. "I keep saying that the chemicals are going to get the best of me," Hampton said. "I made a promise to God when I was sick, down for 18 months, and I had smaller children at that time: 'God, if you would help me to help these people and give me back my strength, I would do all that I can to help people.'" As Hampton explained, PFAS have been linked to serious health issues, including increased risk of cancers, immune system problems, respiratory illnesses, and liver damage, among others. They can even lead to death in some cases, according to research. Because PFAS don't break down easily in the environment or our bodies, they can have far-reaching impacts, especially since they're used in so many household products — including nonstick pans and food packaging. PFAS can get into drinking water from industrial plants, firefighting foams, and leaching from landfills, which is concerning for anyone who lives nearby. reported that Hampton's advocacy work has paid off, with a reverse osmosis plant opening in Lawrence County in 2021 that will improve the water quality. She's also spoken at conferences nationwide to raise awareness about the chemicals. How often do you worry about toxic chemicals getting into your home? Always Often Sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. New Hampshire lawmakers recently banned PFAS in ski, board, and boat waxes, and France announced the chemicals would be prohibited in clothing textiles and cosmetics starting next year. Scientists have also made notable progress on removing PFAS from drinking water with high-tech water filters and activated carbon. Consumers can avoid the harmful chemicals by using stainless steel or cast iron cookware, opting for clean beauty products such as Walmart's line of PFAS-free makeup, and natural cleaning products like good old-fashioned baking soda and vinegar. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Trump administration rolls back some PFAS standards in drinking water, delays others
The Trump administration will move to rescind standards put in place last year to restrict allowable levels of several so-called forever chemicals found in drinking water supplies across the U.S., while giving water systems an additional two years to meet rules enacted at the same time for other toxins of a similar type. Lee Zeldin, head of Trump's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced the proposed change regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, on May 14. The substances, which may be linked to high blood pressure, some cancers and other illnesses, have been used widely in consumer products, including electronics and cookware, as well as in firefighting foam, and are known to build up in the environment over time. The state of Michigan has determined the presence of thousands of potentially PFAS-contaminated sites in the state over the last decade and has put in place its own restrictions on contaminant levels in drinking water systems, though those were generally not quite as strict as those finalized in April 2024 by former President Joe Biden's administration. Zeldin said in a news release on May 14 that he would keep in place the Biden administration's enforceable standards on two types of PFAS −perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, in drinking water at 4 parts per trillion. But in response to what he said were "significant compliance challenges," he said the EPA would move to extend the deadline for meeting those standards from 2029 to 2031. 'The work to protect Americans from PFAS in drinking water started under the first Trump Administration and will continue under my leadership,' Zeldin said. 'We are on a path to uphold the agency's nationwide standards to protect Americans from PFOA and PFOS in their water. At the same time, we will work to provide common-sense flexibility in the form of additional time for compliance." Zeldin also announced the EPA would go through the normal rulemaking procedure to rescind enforceable standards for four other related PFAS: perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, or PFHxS; perfluorononanoic acid, or PFNA, and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid, or HFPO-DA or GenX chemicals, or any of those three with perfluorobutane sulfonic acid, or PFBS. The EPA said those were being rescinded "to ensure that the determinations and any resulting drinking water regulation follow the legal process" required by law, though it didn't say if, or how, the Biden administration rules may have skirted the federal Safe Water Drinking Act. Environmentalists denounced the move, which had been praised as a regulatory step forward in protecting drinking water when it was finalized last year, though water systems raised concerns about the cost and compliance timetable. 'More than 100 million people are drinking water contaminated with 'forever chemicals,' which can cause cancer, harm fetuses and kids and pose other health hazards. But now the administration is going to toss out most of these long-sought protections and allow this contamination to continue unabated all at the behest of the chemical industry and water utilities," said Erik Olson, senior strategic director for health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, a nationwide environmental group. 'With a stroke of the pen, EPA is making a mockery of the Trump administration's promise to deliver clean water for Americans," Olson said. Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@ Follow him on X @tsspangler. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump's EPA rolls back some PFAS standards in drinking water
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas bill seeking to keep toxic 'forever chemicals' off farmland misses key deadline
A bill aimed at limiting the spread of toxic chemicals on Texas farmland has hit a political wall — missing a key deadline that decreases its likelihood of passage this session. House Bill 1674, introduced by Rep. Helen Kerwin, R-Cleburne, aims to regulate the use of fertilizers made from treated sewage, also known as biosolids, by requiring regular testing for PFAS — a group of long-lasting, harmful chemicals often called 'forever chemicals.' Supporters of the bill say it would protect agricultural land and the nation's food supply from dangerous chemicals that don't break down and are linked to health problems including cancer, birth defects, liver damage, and immune system disorders. However, opponents — including wastewater utilities — say the measure lacks clarity and could drive up disposal costs of biosolids without offering other alternatives to get rid of the sludge. Kerwin, who is in her first legislative session after being elected in November, says the bill is her top priority — it's the first bill she filed after becoming a lawmaker. And the proposal has won bipartisan support in the House, where 75 of her colleagues signed on as either authors or co-authors. The House Environmental Regulation Committee heard testimony on the bill last week. Although 74 people had signed up to speak on the bill — 34 in support, 33 against, the rest neutral — only about half got the chance after waiting more than 18 hours for the bill to be heard. After two and a half hours of testimony and debate, the committee left the bill pending. At this point, its chances of advancing further in the legislative process are slim. Monday was the deadline for House bills to advance out of committee, although there are ways to revive bills up to the end of the legislative session. 'We are not out to impact a large industry, but we just want to begin the narrative so that we can start preventing the disposal of these biosolids,' Kerwin said at the hearing. A number of Texas wastewater plants have contracts with fertilizer companies to take their biosolids. Those companies market the fertilizers as nutrient rich and environmentally friendly and sell them to farmers as a cheaper alternative. The bill would require companies that manufacture products made from biosolids to test them monthly for certain PFAS before selling them. Products exceeding certain PFAS limits would need to dispose of them through incineration or at a landfill that will accept them. Companies would be required to publish results online, and violators could face criminal penalties. PFAS contamination is already impacting Texans. The bill comes after at least five farmers in Johnson County sued a fertilizer company alleging that PFAS-contaminated fertilizer made from Fort Worth's municipal waste poisoned their land, killed their livestock, and left them unable to sell anything produced on their farms. County officials issued a disaster declaration earlier this year asking for Gov. Greg Abbott to request federal disaster assistance after dangerous levels of contamination were found on agricultural land. Dana Ames, the environmental crime investigator who discovered PFAS contamination in Johnson County farmland, testified at the hearing that started at 1 a.m last Thursday. 'We've gotten a lot of calls from a lot of farmers that have felt deceived,' she said. 'They feel like they've been duped and lied to … by the companies that are encouraging them to use the product.' Nationally, more than half of sewage sludge was treated and spread on land, according to one study; 19 billion pounds of it was spread on American farms between 2016 and 2021, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group found in 2022. 'Across the country family farms like mine are vanishing, not just from economic pressure, but from environmental negligence,' said Karen Coleman, a farmer from Johnson County. Coleman and her husband Tony took over her father's farm in 2018. The couple didn't spread biosolids-based fertilizer on their land, but they claim storm runoff from a nearby property that used the fertilizer poisoned their land. Groups representing wastewater treatment operators, water utilities and the chemical industry testified in opposition to Kerwin's bill, warning that the bill would have sweeping consequences for how Texas manages biosolids and create costly logistical challenges for cities and utilities without fully understanding the sources or risks of PFAS. '[The bill] creates a de facto ban on land application… and would result in significant increases in wastewater rates paid by the public,' said Sarah Kirkle, policy director at the Texas Water Association. Kirkle and others raised logistical concerns, saying there are only two labs in Texas currently offering PFAS testing for biosolids. She also said there's a lack of short-term storage for biosolids awaiting test results, and uncertainty around landfill space — all of which would make compliance difficult under the bill's timeline. Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress and a member of the committee, challenged the idea that land application of biosolids should continue at all — especially given emerging concerns about PFAS contamination. 'It seems so obvious that the solid material left over from wastewater treatment is probably not the best thing to spread on land we're going to grow food on,' Oliverson said. 'How did we ever get to a point where someone thought that was a bright idea?' Julie Nahrgang, executive director with the Water Environment Association of Texas, pushed back, arguing that biosolids recycling is a long-regulated, widely practiced method supported by the Clean Water Act. She said the real focus should be on identifying and regulating the sources PFAS comes from. 'Let's ensure that [PFAS] do not make their way into the environment, to then be passively received by utilities,' she said. 'Let's understand that before we create legislation that impacts all of Texas and impacts us overnight.' Oliverson remained unconvinced. 'Just because something's been done historically doesn't mean it's safe,' he said. 'We used to put asbestos in for insulation for a long time and we thought that was a good idea, and then we realized it caused cancer.' Logan Harrell, representing the Texas Chemistry Council, cautioned that the bill sets a precedent for legislating environmental standards directly, rather than deferring to agencies like the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the state's environmental regulator. 'This bill departs from the standard process,' he said. The hearing highlighted a key regulatory dilemma: no Texas agency currently has both the authority and responsibility to monitor PFAS in biosolids that are applied to land. Until that changes, officials said, Texas will remain limited in its ability to assess risks or enforce protections. The TCEQ, which permits biosolids disposal, acknowledged that it has not conducted its own PFAS testing in Johnson County. Instead, the agency relied on third-party data provided by the county to draw conclusions. Lawmakers pushed back on that approach. 'You didn't generate any of your own data,' Oliverson said. 'You're just taking their word.' Sabine Lange, TCEQ's chief toxicologist, said the data the agency reviewed showed PFAS levels below the agency's own limits it has set for soil and water. Those limits, originally developed in 2011, are now being updated to reflect the growing body of toxicology research. There is a lot of buzz surrounding PFAS — the chemicals are under increasing scrutiny nationwide. Nearly a dozen Texas counties have passed resolutions urging farmers to stop using biosolids on their land until further testing is conducted. And states like Maine, Vermont, Michigan, and New York have already implemented bans or strict testing protocols. Last year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against chemical giants 3M and DuPont, accusing them of misleading the public about the risks of PFAS in various consumer products. Earlier this month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin outlined the agency's plans to address PFAS contamination, such as establishing a liability framework to hold polluters accountable. The announcement also said it would continue soliciting public comment on a risk assessment of biosolids, which found fertilizers that contain treated sewage tainted with PFAS can pose a health risk to people who consume milk, eggs and beef. And most recently, during a visit to Texas A&M University in College Station, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told WFAA that addressing PFAS contamination was a 'high priority' for him. He said he was aware of the situation in Johnson County and is working with the EPA to come up with solutions like 'ending the production of PFAS.' Days after the hearing, Kerwin said she remains encouraged, even if the bill doesn't advance this session. 'I think the door is opening where we can address this going forward,' she said, acknowledging that the legislation will likely need to be reintroduced next session. Disclosure: Texas A&M University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Veolia Completes Most Comprehensive Industry Testing to Date on PFAS Waste Incineration
First-of-their-kind tests evaluated thermal treatment of AFFF fire fighting foam, PFAS-contaminated soil and spent carbon water treatment media Testing conducted based on EPA's most current guidance for solids, liquids and stack air emission, including products of incomplete combustion (PICs) using the OTM-45 and OTM-50 methods Results demonstrated high temperature incineration is reliable and proven disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS, destroying greater than 99% of targeted substances, including up to 99.9999% of PFOS and PFHxS PORT ARTHUR, TX / / May 13, 2025 / Veolia has published the waste management industry's most comprehensive testing to date on the incineration of PFAS compounds. The tests demonstrated that high temperature incineration is a proven and reliable disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS, destroying greater than 99% of targeted substances, including up to 99.9999% of PFOS and PFHxS. PFAS contamination is a critical challenge due to its widespread presence and persistent nature. This testing, conducted using the EPA's most current guidance, advances the scientific understanding of PFAS disposal and gives cities and industries more options for management of these compounds. The two-phased study was conducted at Veolia's hazardous waste incinerator in Port Arthur, Texas in July and October of 2024 by a third party provider. The facility was chosen based on its track record of managing PFAS-containing material, and its ability to reach a secondary combustion chamber temperature of 2,040 degrees Fahrenheit and a residence time of 2.3 seconds. The testing evaluated thermal treatment of AFFF fire fighting foam, PFAS-contaminated soil and spent carbon water treatment media in alignment with the EPA's most current guidance for solids, liquids and stack air emissions (EPA Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of PFAS - April 8, 2024). The testing used the OTM-45 and OTM-50 methods to evaluate products of incomplete combustion (PICs) in stack air emissions. The test results were recently announced at the 2025 PFAS Forum V in Tampa, Florida. The key findings of the testing included: Overall result: High temperature incineration is an efficient disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS, destroying greater than 99% of targeted substances, including up to 99.9999% of PFOS and PFHxS. Solid residue: In 41 of 45 samples, there were no detectable quantities of the target PFAS in any of the ash, slag or filter cake. In four ash samples, target PFAS levels close to the method detection limit were identified. Liquid residue: Very low levels of the target PFAS were detected in liquid residues; the target PFAS residuals were below the method detection minimum, as well as the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set by the EPA for drinking water. Air emissions:The destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) was greater than 99% for the majority of target PFAS, and few to no PICs were detected during incineration, indicating highly effective destruction. "This testing demonstrated that high temperature incineration is a reliable and proven disposal solution for high concentrations of targeted PFAS. Veolia takes our role as industry leaders seriously, which is why we take a scientific approach in conducting the industry's most comprehensive, modern and credible testing of PFAS incineration. As part of our GreenUp strategy, we have curated the industry's only truly end-to-end solution for PFAS management: Beyond PFAS. This test is one more step in our journey to protect human health and the environment," said Bob Cappadona, President and Chief Executive Officer of Veolia North America's Environmental Solutions and Services business. Veolia provides drinking water to more than 9 million people across the United States and is in the forefront of the fight against PFAS. It has treated more than 24 billion gallons of water for PFAS at more than 30 sites, with dozens more under construction or in planning. Veolia's BeyondPFAS suite of offerings helps industries and businesses confronting the challenge of regulated PFAS compounds in their water supplies, work processes or waste streams. It streamlines Veolia's offerings with a holistic approach from initial site assessment and sampling, to implementation of tailored treatment technologies, through proper handling and disposing of contaminants in line with current EPA-recommended methods such as incineration, deep well injection and secured, approved landfills. As science and the public continue to learn more about PFAS compounds, Veolia's BeyondPFAS offering will become a key part of the company's strategy to bolster its leading role in addressing the world's ecological problems. It also exemplifies the goals of Veolia's global GreenUp strategy, which strives to lead the ecological transformation of the planet by accelerating water quality improvement, hazardous waste treatment and disposal, decarbonization and technological innovation. ABOUT VEOLIA NORTH AMERICA A subsidiary of Veolia group, Veolia North America (VNA) is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education, and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent. ABOUT VEOLIA GROUP Veolia Group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with 215,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2024, the Veolia group provided 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 65 million tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 44.7 billion euros in DISCLAIMER The information contained in this statement is based on the Veolia group's understanding and know-how of the scientific, regulatory and technical fields discussed herein as of the time of publication. No contractual undertaking or offer is made on the basis hereof and no representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability for the purpose of the relevant information. Descriptions contained herein apply exclusively to those examples and/or to the general situations specifically referenced, and in no event should they be considered to apply to specific scenarios without prior review and validation. Statements that may be interpreted as predictive of future outcomes or performance should not be considered guarantees of such, but rather reasoned assessments of the possible evolution of the technologies described. No contractual undertaking or offer is made on the basis of this statement, any contractual commitment or relationship being subject to the conclusion of separately documented written agreement(s) between Veolia and its co-contractant(s). CONTACTVEOLIA NORTH AMERICANate PepperVice President, View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Veolia North America on Contact Info:Spokesperson: Veolia North AmericaWebsite: info@ SOURCE: Veolia North America View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
