Potential Health Impacts
- Reproductive effects
- Developmental effects
- Effects on the immune system (antibody production)
- Increased risk of cancer
- Increased cholesterol/risk of obesity
PFAS
Perspectives and Insights > PFAS
Introduction
PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, comprise a complex family of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals that are widely used in everyday products due to their resistance to water, grease, and stains. These chemicals have been utilized for decades in a range of applications, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and firefighting foams.
Though highly valuable for these purposes, growing evidence points to potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure and their persistence in the environment. As they are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” due to their inability to break down naturally, concerns over their impact on both human health and the environment have led to increased scrutiny and regulation.
What are PFAS Chemicals?
- Per and Poly Fluoroalkyl Substances
- Group of over 10,000 fluorinated organic chemicals
- Emerging Contaminant
- Become engrained in almost everything we use
Where are PFAS Used?
Used to make products more heat resistant, stain-resistant, waterproof and/or nonstick as well as help reduce friction in certain products.
- Fire-fighting foams
- Fabric surface protectants
- Upholstered furniture & carpets
- Cleaning products
- Pesticide formulations
- Non-stick cookware
- Electronic devices
- Some food takeout containers
- Paint & building materials
Proposed Regulation
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed the first ever drinking water regulations for six PFAS chemicals. The proposed rule sets a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) of zero and a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4.0 Parts per Trillion (ppt) for both PFOS and PFOA.
EPA also proposed a Hazard Index approach, as described below, toward the regulation of a mixture of four PFAS chemicals: PFHxS, HFPO-DA (GenX), PFNA, and PFBS. The proposed regulatory framework is based on running annual average of samples, which is similar to the compliance methodology for disinfection by-products.
Hazard Index
Health Based Water Concentration (HBWC)
Levels protective of health effects over a lifetime of exposure, including sensitive populations and life stages.
Hazard Quotient
Ratio of potential exposure to a substance and the level at which no health effects are expected (HBWC).
Hazard Index (HI)
Sum of component Hazard Quotients (HQs), which are calculated by dividing the measured regulated PFAS component contaminant concentration in water by the associated Health Based Water Concentration.
A hazard index calculation greater than 1.0 would trigger a violation and corresponding regulatory enforcement action.
Treatment Technologies
Considerations for selecting a treatment solution:
• Space available
• Pretreatment requirements
• Removal effectiveness
• Capital investment
• Operating costs
• Disposal of waste/media
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Removal Mechanism:
PFAS compounds absorb to the porous carbon particles- Most proven PFAS treatment technology
- Removal effectiveness affected by other water quality parameters such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
- GAC is typically a single use product and requires disposal once breakthrough has occurred
- Less effective for some PFAS, such as short-chain
- GAC regeneration and carbon disposal is a potential pollution concern
- Regenerated GAC can not be utilized in drinking water
- Relatively large equipment footprint
Ion Exchange (IX)
2
Removal Mechanism:
Positively charged resins/polymers bind the negatively charged PFAS (and other) compounds- Can be specialized for specific PFAS compounds
- Most IX resins used for PFAS are single use media due to difficulties achieving effective regeneration
- Other IX resins are being promoted as effective for onsite regeneration using proprietary regeneration processes
- Proprietary resins and limited suppliers can increase costs
- Reduced equipment footprint
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
3
Removal Mechanism:
Contaminated water is pressurized and forced through a semipermeable membrane that filters out PFAS (and other contaminants)- Best broad spectrum PFAS removal but most costly treatment solution
- The PFAS is concentrated into a brine waste stream
- Moderate equipment footprint
- Increased energy and chemical costs
- Disposal of waste brine stream can be difficult
Treatment Residuals Issues
PFAS accumulating in treatment residuals also presents challenges. Options for treatment residuals are provided below:
- GAC – Spent Media Incinerated/Landfilled
- Ion Exchange – Spent Media Incinerated/Landfilled
- RO – Brine Sent to Sanitary Sewer or Landfilled
Future regulatory actions not under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) may have a bearing on future disposal options.
Resources
AE2S Articles on PFAS
- Study Identifies Urgent Need for PFAS Prevention and Affordable Cleanup Options – July 28, 2023
- Chemical Companies Agree to Nearly $11.5B in PFAS Payments – July 5, 2023
- USEPA Proposes Chemical Review Process Reforms – May 30, 2023
- Public Input and Data Requested for PFAS Strategic Roadmap – May 4, 2023
- Proposed PFAS Drinking Water Regulations Announced – April 5, 2023
- Decline in Region 5 & 8 Toxics Release Inventory Chemicals – April 5, 2023
- USEPA Expected to Announce New PFAS Standards – March 8, 2023
- New PFAS Analytic Tools Released – January 31, 2023
- Guidance Issued to States to Reduce PFAS Pollution – January 4, 2023