PFAS

2022 - 7 - 31

Letter to the editor: Makers, not Mainers, must be responsible for ... (pressherald.com)

On July 10, the Telegram published an article speaking to the rising costs for landfilling municipal sludge rather than spreading it on land (“Latest.

Now more than ever, when there are costs associated with PFAS treatment and cleanup that have been passed on to homeowners, we need to be putting blame where blame is due, and make polluters pay. The real culprit for these increased costs is the same culprit that manufactured these chemicals knowing that they were having catastrophic impacts on human health – companies like 3M and DuPont. These bills are protecting our health from the cost these chemicals would have on our bodies, our environment and our communities. On July 10, the Telegram published an article speaking to the rising costs for landfilling municipal sludge rather than spreading it on land (“Latest sticker shock from PFAS: Rising sewer rates,” Page A1). However, it inappropriately implies that bills passed this year to protect state-owned landfill capacity from toxic out-of-state waste and to protect our farmland from further care are to blame for the looming costs to homeowners.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Chicago Tribune"

Sewage sludge contaminated with toxic forever chemicals spread ... (Chicago Tribune)

Some of the highest concentrations of PFAS detected in agricultural fields nationwide were found in sludge from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District ...

“The things that motivated me to farm feel meaningless in light of the contamination. At the end of January, Michigan ordered a farmer outside Detroit to stop selling beef to schools and other customers after state officials found alarming levels of PFOS in hay, silage and water fed to his cattle. “We have learned that much more work would be needed to get to the necessary levels of prevention and protection.” Echoing statements from industry lobbyists, Lee said the solution is to keep forever chemicals out of sewers in the first place. By not being upfront with Americans about the uncertainty, the agency’s internal watchdog concluded, the EPA’s sludge program “is at risk of not achieving its goal to protect public health and the environment.” Lawmakers moved to outlaw the practice after state officials found worrisome levels of PFAS in drinking water, soil, milk, livestock and venison. During the past six years, Illinois ranked second among the states for the amount of sludge dumped on farmland, according to federal records. “Nor is there a requirement that EPA continue with efforts to set limits on industrial releases or in drinking water and sludge.” If PFAS are in sludge applied to farmland, the chemicals can leach into public and private wells. Some studies suggest food packaging and household dust from PFAS-laden consumer products are more significant sources of exposure than crops fertilized with sludge, district officials argued in an email response to the newspaper’s questions. Nor are there limits on concentrations of the chemicals in sludge or soil. Nearly 40% of the land is leased to farmers who graze cattle or grow corn, hay, soybeans and wheat, according to district records.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Syracuse Basketball's Roster & Available Scholarships"

Forever chemicals in water, likely food: Tribune investigation (Syracuse Basketball's Roster & Available Scholarships)

The simple act of drinking tap water exposes millions of Illinoisans to toxic chemicals that build up in human blood, cause cancer and other diseases, ...

These “eternal chemicals” are in the blood of nearly every American, including newborns. Only California, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Florida have more facilities on the suspected contamination list. Others change over time into more harmful compounds, increasing the risk of contamination of grains, beans, hay, and produce grown in sludge-modified soil for years to come. A study by the Chicago Tribune found that her more than 8 million people in Illinois (her 6 in her 10 of Illinoisans) had at least one permanent chemical detected from a public facility. Until now, the extent of the PFAS problem in Illinois remained unclear. It takes years for it to be expelled from the

Demand legislation that protects drinking water from toxic PFAS ... (Chicago Sun-Times)

These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they never break down and can build up in the environment and our bodies.

Exposure to PFAS is linked to cancer, immune system deficiencies, high cholesterol, low fertility and child development issues. Every year around 1 billion birds die due to window glass collisions. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words. PFAS chemicals have been around since the 1940s and were originally used to coat nonstick cookware. Every time, the water looked so inviting that I would love to take a drink, though I never did because I’m sure it wasn’t safe. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they never break down and can build up in the environment and our bodies.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Local Denmark"

Danish health authority to reconsider PFAS advice for pregnancy ... (The Local Denmark)

The Danish Health Authority has recalled an expert advice group following criticism of guidelines issued for pregnancy and breastfeeding following exposure ...

“It seems completely wrong when our conclusion states that women exposed to PFAS can safely get pregnant and breastfeed. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are large group of synthetic chemicals used in various products since the early 1950s. The Danish Health Authority is now reconsidering its assessment that neither pregnancy nor breastfeeding should be postponed after exposure to PFAS, even for those exposed to the highest levels, broadcaster TV2 reports.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WLNS"

Sen. Gary Peters hosts hearing on PFAS contamination (WLNS)

Beginning Monday, a field hearing will take place to talk about how the state and local governments can better tackle the issue of PFAS.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "SprayFoam.com"

PFAS & Spray Polyurethane Foam | SprayFoam News - SprayFoam ... (SprayFoam.com)

Spray Foam Magazine – Late Summer 2022 – In recent months, several states have introduced legislation to curtail the use of products containing PFAS ...

During the next several months, it is likely that other states may introduce legislation like Maine’s. The SPFA, working in collaboration with the ACC and SFC, is monitoring all state and federal legislation concerning PFAS restrictions. Exposure to some types of PFAS have been linked to serious health effects. This bill requires reporting of PFAS chemicals by all product manufacturers beginning January 1, 2023. More importantly, this bill will ban the sale of all products containing added PFAS chemicals by 2030, unless manufacturers can prove there are no alternatives. Certain PFAS are also authorized by the FDA for limited use in non-stick cookware, food packaging, and food processing equipment. Depending on the specific chemical definition of PFAS, which can vary state-to-state, PFAS can also include HFC and HFO blowing agents used in closed-cell SPF as well as many related refrigerants used in HVAC equipment.

Dept. of Natural Resources: New PFAS administrative rules now in ... (WisPolitics.com)

Two rules set regulatory standards for PFAS in drinking water and surface water and the third rule sets requirements for using PFAS-containing firefighting foam ...

The third rule replaces the emergency rule for PFAS-containing firefighting foam that has been in effect since December 2020. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products, including non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and certain types of firefighting foam. The rules will provide a better understanding of where PFAS are located in Wisconsin, require actions to correct contamination when it is found and reduce additional contamination.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WSAU News"

70 PPT PFAS Standard in Place Statewide (WSAU News)

MADISON, WI (WSAU) -- Wisconsin's 70 parts per trillion standards for PFAS in drinking water is now in place. ...

PFAS are a series of chemicals found in some everyday products. It is unclear how long the new standard will last. Health experts warn that a buildup of the chemicals can lead to health issues such as certain cancers, high cholesterol, and some reproductive issues in women.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WILX-TV"

Michiganders testify toxic PFAS made them sick (WILX-TV)

Michigan has more people known to be exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals than any other state.

A list of the known PFAS sites of interest can be found here. I would say if we can get through that barrier, then we can have meaningful conversations to help other veterans,” said Minor. Military personnel, their families, and our neighbors are reporting the same conditions. “We heard more commitments. The chemical seeped into the groundwater. EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Michigan has more people known to be exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals than any other state.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3"

DNR: New PFAS regulations now in effect (Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3)

The new regulatory standards for the chemicals — known as PFAS — will require officials to reduce contamination in affected waters if the compounds are found at ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "WXPR"

Wisconsin DNR PFAS drinking and surface water rules go into effect (WXPR)

New administrative rules for PFAS in Wisconsin are now in effect.The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Board approved the weakened rules earlier ...

The Natural Resources Board voted 6 to 1 to approve a drinking water standard of 70 parts per trillion. In February, DNR staff proposed a threshold of 20 parts per trillion for PFAS in drinking water. New administrative rules for PFAS in Wisconsin are now in effect.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "New Hampshire Public Radio"

Saint-Gobain halts coating production due to a broken PFAS ... (New Hampshire Public Radio)

The regenerative thermal oxidizer burns PFAS chemicals from Saint-Gobain's air emissions in Merrimack. It replaced the factory's old smokestacks, like the one ...

In November, New Hampshire lawmakers and community advocates asked the Department of Environmental Services to shut down operations at Saint-Gobain’s manufacturing facility, after state regulators sent the company a letter of deficiency. The facility uses PFAS chemicals in coatings that go over protective fabrics, like biohazard suits, that resist extreme weather and chemicals. “They are not in operation right now and cannot start back up until the RTO is operating at its correct temperature,” she said.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "North Carolina Health News"

People living with elevated PFAS exposure should receive expanded testing, a new study finds (North Carolina Health News)

Clinicians are being advised to encourage reduction of PFAS exposure for these people. Clinicians should also prioritize screening for cholesterol and triglyceride imbalances known collectively as dyslipidemia, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and ...

“While this guidance is extremely helpful, it does not cover the full scope of PFAS contamination continuing to occur in the lower Cape Fear region.” Hopefully, we can [detect] PFAS and give people the help that they need, so cancer doesn’t develop.” “It’s all about prevention and early detection … We’ve seen the data and we know about the concentration of PFAS in turnout gear and how high it is,” Mullens said. “Now, North Carolinians can more easily request blood testing and screening procedures related to their PFAS exposures–something communities in the Cape Fear River basin have lacked for years.” “In the complicated arena of modern healthcare delivery, clinicians often have very little time for patient visits, ” she said. They also noted the evidence points to decreased infant and fetal growth and kidney cancer in adults. Patients with test results between 2 and 20 ng/mL may face the potential for adverse effects, especially in sensitive populations (such as pregnant individuals). Clinicians are being advised to encourage reduction of PFAS exposure for these people. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects. People with elevated PFAS in their drinking water should also be advised to filter their water. Patients with test results above 20 ng/mL may face a higher risk of adverse effects, so clinicians should encourage exposure reduction and prioritize screening for dyslipidemia in accordance with guidance for patients with increased risk. There are more than 12,000 different PFAS compounds that are used in products such as non-stick cookware, cleaning products, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foam and protective gear, to name a few. The report focuses on people who have prolonged PFAS exposure, resulting from living near a contamination source or because of occupational exposure.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "News8000.com - WKBT"

Wis. DNR: New PFAS rules in effect Aug. 1 (News8000.com - WKBT)

Two rules set regulatory standards for PFAS in drinking water and surface water. The third details requirements for using firefighting foam containing PFAS. If ...

NH advocate says new PFAS clinical care recommendations in a ... (The Keene Sentinel)

A new report from the National Academy of Sciences provides new recommendations for how doctors should treat patients who have been exposed to PFAS, ...

Explore the last week