Analysis of needs for enforcement of PFAS in articles and chemical products

Analysis of needs for enforcement of PFAS in articles and chemical products
Author: Krause, Maren
Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers
Total Pages: 191
Release:
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9289378018

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2024-510/ Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of substances that have been widely used for decades due to their surface-active properties. However, their characteristic resistance to degradation in combination with other properties of concern for human health and the environment has resulted in regulatory actions such as restrictions towards this group of substances, in the EU and globally. Compliance with restrictions as well as enforcement by authorities is key to reduce intentional use of restricted PFAS in articles and chemical products. To analyse PFAS accurately, robust and reliable analytical methods are required. This report evaluates the current situation related to PFAS-analyses and enforcement (including challenges and needs) and propose measures/strategies to enable and/or improve enforcement of, and compliance with current and future, PFAS restrictions.

The cost of inaction

The cost of inaction
Author: Gretta Goldenman
Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers
Total Pages: 194
Release: 2019-03-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9289360658

PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkylsubstances) are known to be extremely difficult to degrade in the environment and to be bioaccumulative and toxic. Exposure to PFAS is suspected to increase the risk of adverse health effects, such as impacts on the thyroid gland, the liver, fat metabolism and the immune system. This study estimates the socioeconomic costs that may result from impacts on human health and the environment from the use of PFAS. Better awareness of the costs and problems associated with PFAS exposure will assist decision-makers and the general public to make more efficient and timely risk management decisions. Findings indicate that the costs are substantial, with annual health-related costs estimated to 2.8 – 4.6 billion EUR for the Nordic countries and 52 – 84 billion EUR for all EEA countries. Overall non-health costs are estimated at 46 million – 11 billion EUR for the Nordic countries.Upon request the excel spreadsheets used for the monetarisation and valuation in this report can also be provided along with a guidance on how to use the estimation of costs for value transfer. Please contact any of the consultants or members of the steering group from the Swedish Chemicals Agency or the Danish Environmental Protection Agency if you are interested in receiving these excel spreadsheets.

Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs)

Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs)
Author: Nicholas P. Cheremisinoff
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 271
Release: 2016-11-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1119363837

This new volume provides a timely study on the environmental challenges from a specific class of perfluorinated chemical compounds (PFCs) that are now being recognized as a worldwide health threat. Recent studies report that levels of classes of PFCs known as polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl (PFASs) exceed federally recommended safety levels in public drinking-water supplies for 6 million people in the United States and that as many as 100 million people could be at risk from exposure to these chemicals. These chemicals occur globally in wildlife and humans. Both PFCAs and PFSAs have been produced for more than 50 years, but have only become of interest to regulators and environmentalists since the late 1990s. Recent advances in analytical methodology has enabled widespread detection in the environment and humans at trace levels. These toxic chemicals have been found in outdoor and indoor air, surface and drinking water, house dust, animal tissue, human blood serum, and human breast milk. Of great concern to communities is the presence of these compounds in a number of drinking water supplies in the U.S. and other countries. This new volume provides a timely explanation of the chemicals, provides a detailed review of the regulations both in the US and European Community, explains the health risk literature, and then explores in great detail available treatment technologies. The volume is a must for public water supply facilities, industrial operations that have historically used these chemicals and face legacy pollution issues, policy makers and the general public.

Polyfluorinated Chemicals and Transformation Products

Polyfluorinated Chemicals and Transformation Products
Author: Thomas P. Knepper
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 183
Release: 2011-09-21
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3642218717

Due to their unparalleled effectiveness and efficiency, polyfluorinated chemicals (PFC) have become essential in numerous technical applications. However, many PFCs brought to market show limited biodegradability, and their environmental persistence combined with toxic and bioaccumulative potential have become a matter of concern in some instances. This volume highlights the synthesis of PFCs, focusing on substances with improved application and environmental properties, which are a challenge for synthetic chemists. Further, modern mass spectrometric techniques for the detection and identification of biotransformation products of PFCs are described. The sorption and leaching behavior of PFC in soil is also addressed in order to predict their fate in the environment. Several contributions discuss the monitoring of PFCs in European surface, ground and drinking waters, treatment options for PFC removal from drinking water, occurrence in food, and the human biomonitoring of PFCs.

OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 3 Test No. 303: Simulation Test - Aerobic Sewage Treatment -- A: Activated Sludge Units; B: Biofilms

OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals, Section 3 Test No. 303: Simulation Test - Aerobic Sewage Treatment -- A: Activated Sludge Units; B: Biofilms
Author: OECD
Publisher: OECD Publishing
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2001-01-22
Genre:
ISBN: 9264070427

This Test Guideline describes two simulations tests used in the aerobic sewage treatment. Activated Sludge Units are designed to determine the elimination and the primary and/or ultimate biodegradation of water-soluble organic compounds by aerobic ...

Contaminated Water Supplies at Camp Lejeune

Contaminated Water Supplies at Camp Lejeune
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 338
Release: 2009-09-06
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309136997

In the early 1980s, two water-supply systems on the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were found to be contaminated with the industrial solvents trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). The water systems were supplied by the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point watertreatment plants, which served enlisted-family housing, barracks for unmarried service personnel, base administrative offices, schools, and recreational areas. The Hadnot Point water system also served the base hospital and an industrial area and supplied water to housing on the Holcomb Boulevard water system (full-time until 1972 and periodically thereafter). This book examines what is known about the contamination of the water supplies at Camp Lejeune and whether the contamination can be linked to any adverse health outcomes in former residents and workers at the base.

Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality

Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
Author: World Health Organization
Publisher: World Health Organization
Total Pages: 260
Release: 1993
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9789241545037

This volume describes the methods used in the surveillance of drinking water quality in the light of the special problems of small-community supplies, particularly in developing countries, and outlines the strategies necessary to ensure that surveillance is effective.

Hazardous substances in plastics

Hazardous substances in plastics
Author: Stenmarck, Åsa
Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers
Total Pages: 121
Release: 2017-02-08
Genre:
ISBN: 9289348496

The aim of the project is to create knowledge on how plastics recycling can increase without increasing the risk of emitting hazardous substances to the environment.The first general conclusion is that to be able to increase recycling there are measures needed at different levels. The following areas are of interest: • Legislation: new legislation is not necessary, but harmonisation and clear guidance to the existing one is. • Market: to create a market safety on content is needed. • If substances added are less hazardous the recycled raw material would be “more safe” to use. • There should be higher attention put on the knowledge of the recyclers. • Traceability and content: Further work on labelling reaching the recycle part of the value chain needs to be developed. It is also needed to develop a systematic approach towards risk assessments linked to recycling.

Soil pollution: a hidden reality

Soil pollution: a hidden reality
Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
Total Pages: 156
Release: 2018-04-30
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9251305056

This document presents key messages and the state-of-the-art of soil pollution, its implications on food safety and human health. It aims to set the basis for further discussion during the forthcoming Global Symposium on Soil Pollution (GSOP18), to be held at FAO HQ from May 2nd to 4th 2018. The publication has been reviewed by the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soil (ITPS) and contributing authors. It addresses scientific evidences on soil pollution and highlights the need to assess the extent of soil pollution globally in order to achieve food safety and sustainable development. This is linked to FAO’s strategic objectives, especially SO1, SO2, SO4 and SO5 because of the crucial role of soils to ensure effective nutrient cycling to produce nutritious and safe food, reduce atmospheric CO2 and N2O concentrations and thus mitigate climate change, develop sustainable soil management practices that enhance agricultural resilience to extreme climate events by reducing soil degradation processes. This document will be a reference material for those interested in learning more about sources and effects of soil pollution.