German Federal researchers have developed a rapid, onsite detection system for PFAS in water samples. Its cost-effectiveness and ease-of-use make it a potentially scalable solution for authorities and industry to monitor and remediate “forever chemical” contamination.
Researchers with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station have demonstrated that the use of iron-fortified hemp biochar made from agricultural waste can significantly reduce the amount of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” taken up by food crops grown in contaminated soil.
The French agency ANSES published the results of a two-year, national sampling and testing assignment for “forever chemicals” in drinking water, which was conducted to inform future monitoring strategies. Although most analyzed samples fell below regulatory limits for PFAS, TFA was found in 92 percent of samples.
Although elevated levels of some PFAS were found in the blood of people who ate more highly processed foods, people who ate minimally process foods showed elevated levels of other PFAS compounds—suggesting that dietary choices cannot protect people from “forever chemicals,” and that systemic solutions are needed.
The French National Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) has proposed an expanded monitoring scheme for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) based on a first-of-its-kind inventory of PFAS contamination and toxicity, comprising more than 247 “forever chemicals.”
In his veto letter, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he agreed with Senate Bill 682’s goal of phasing-out “forever chemicals” from consumer products, but said the bill would sacrifice Californians' ability to afford household products like cookware.
Kurita America Inc. and Cyclopure are partnering to deliver an advanced and sustainable solution for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water, using a completely regenerable material.
The advancement not only supports the recycling of “forever chemical” polymers—which are used on cookware and food packaging, for example—but also boasts high recovery of fluorine, a finite resource.
LGC Standards has expanded its portfolio of Dr. Ehrenstorfer PFAS testing solutions with new 13C-labeled reference materials developed for EPA Method 1633.
The research can serve as a foundation for updating or developing new Restricted Substances Lists to mitigate potential risks to human and environmental health posed by hazardous chemicals used food contact materials.
