per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — The latest news about safe, sustainable and bio-based materials and products

A new European Commission roadmap reveals future directions for chemical regulation in Europe including maintenance of a rolling list of chemicals considered for risk management measures and grouping of chemically similar substances.

Bio-Based, Environment, Policy, Safety, Risk AnalysisFiona CaseMay 23, 2022synthetic chemicals, European Commission, EU, petroleum, bio-based materials, regrettable substitution, Restrictions Roadmap under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, REACH, REACH Registry of Intentions, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substancesComment

Using Nanotechnology and Microbes to Break Down “Forever Chemicals”

With increased regulatory pressure to reduce the use of “forever chemicals” such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in food packaging, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University at Buffalo are looking to nanotechnology to break down PFAS into smaller pieces which microbes can then digest.

Environment, Innovation, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, SafetyJames EdeMarch 26, 2021microbes, PFAs, Nanotechnology, "forever chemicals", per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, catalytic carbon-metal nanomaterialsComment

The EPA Takes Action Against PFAS in Drinking Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued two actions to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.

Environment, Policy, SafetyJames EdeMarch 15, 2021PFAS, EPA, drinking water, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, forever chemicals, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)Comment

California bans PFAS firefighting foams

Beginning in 2022, California is banning the sale, manufacture, and use of firefighting foam that contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Environment, Safety, PolicyJames EdeNovember 5, 2020California, PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, Evironmental Working Group, firefighting foamsComment

‘Forever chemicals’ get new limits

Massachusetts has issued significant new limits on human-made compounds found in drinking water, called per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), which have been linked to cancer, low birth weights, and a range of diseases.

Environment, Policy, SafetyJames EdeOctober 6, 2020per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAs, Massachusetts, drinking water, Public water suppliers, PolicyComment

PFAS Legislation Passes in House

The House of Representatives has passed legislation on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as part of amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act.

Environment, Leadership, RegulationJames EdeAugust 26, 2019PFAs, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, National Defense Authorization Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, Clean Water Act, effluent limitations, pretreatment standardsComment