PFAS Central: sharing notable news, scientific papers & events
Although useful, PFAS or highly fluorinated chemicals are associated with serious health harm and can remain in the environment forever.
Latest News
UArizona granted $1.5M to study firefighters’ health risks
15 Feb 2020 | KTAR.COM
Researchers will be testing the blood and urine of firefighters to determine the precise amounts of PFAS in their bodies, along with zeroing in on the best practices for limiting overall exposure to the potentially harmful chemicals.
Water Update: PFAS and the Cost of Cleanup
13 Feb 2020 | Fullerton Observer)
The board hopes to recover the cost of cleanup through legal means as well as grant funding. The California Attorney General may sue Dupont.
Airport enters multi-district PFAS lawsuit
13 Feb 2020 | MVTimes
The airport is attempting to recoup mitigation expenses spent making sure neighbors of the airport property have clean and safe water to drink.
New PFAS toxic chemical injury cases against DuPont being tried in Columbus federal court
12 Feb 2020 | The Columbus Dispatch
Thousands of people were awarded millions of dollars from DuPont de Nemours, Inc. in a settlement after their drinking water was contaminated. However, now about 60 people who have since developed testicular and kidney cancers are suing the company in hopes of getting compensation.
Report: PFAS, toxic flame retardants, chemical disclosure top issues for states
7 Feb 2020 | WAMC
At least 29 states will consider more than 180 policies to require companies to disclose what is in their products as well as limit exposures to toxic chemicals.
Latest Science
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Plasma Treatment of Medical Grade Poly(methyl methacrylate)
13 Feb 2020 | Coatings
A PFAS coating was applied to an optical device which is laid directly on the eyeball to increase device longevity.
Fecal Excretion of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Pets from New York State, United States
13 Feb 2020 | Environ Sci Technol. Let.
The estimated daily fecal excretion suggested that both dogs and cats are exposed to some PFASs at doses above the provisional minimum risk level recommended for humans.
The effect of weathering on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from durable water repellent (DWR) clothing
12 Feb 2020 | Chemosphere
Weathering of outdoor clothing can result in an 5-100 fold increase in the varieties of PFAS present.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Point-of-Use Residential Drinking Water Filters for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)
12 Feb 2020 | Environ Sci Technol. Let.
PFAS removal efficiency was dependent on chain length, with long-chain PFASs (∼60–70% removal) being more efficiently removed than short-chain PFASs (∼40% removal).
Transplacental Transfer of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Identified in Paired Maternal and Cord Sera Using Suspect and Non-Target Screening.
12 Feb 2020 | Environ. Sci. Technol.
10 legacy and 19 novel PFAS were found to efficiently cross the placental barrier from mother to child.
Latest Policy
ECOS White Paper: Processes & considerations for setting state PFAS standards
13 Feb 2020
The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) compiled information from 23 states on their processes, rulemaking requirements, and other considerations for establishing PFAS guidelines.
[Public comment] Michigan’s proposed limits on PFAS in drinking water
31 Jan 2020
The provisions include establishment of drinking water standards, sampling requirements, public notification requirements, and laboratory certification criteria for a number of PFAS contaminants. Comments may be made until January 31, 2020 at 5PM.
[Public comment] Washington State Draft Report to the Legislature: Safer Products
29 Jan 2020
The draft report to be submitted to the legislature by June 1, 2020 identifies carpet and aftermarket carpet treatments containing PFAS among the priority products. A webinar is scheduled for February 19, 2020. Comment period ends on March 2, 2020.
US, Japan defense officials discuss how to address chemical contamination near American bases
17 Jan 2020
During a recent meeting the officials agreed that the two governments should work together to create a task force for handling toxic chemicals.
Communities Petition EPA to Regulate Hazardous PFAS Chemicals
16 Jan 2020
The Green Science Policy Institute is petitioning the EPA to list hundreds of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated chemicals) as hazardous wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Opportunities
The PFAS film documentary "No Defense" will debut in Ann Arbor, MI
Event: 19 Feb 2020
The film focuses on the PFAS contamination problem in Oscoda, Michigan, as a case study into how the U.S. military has failed to protect human health and the environment around the nation and the world.
[Live Stream] From PBB to PFAS: Research and Action to Address Michigan’s Large-Scale Chemical Contaminations
Event: 20 Feb 2020
The PBB to PFAS symposium will provide a unique venue for fostering collaboration between researchers and community members to prevent large-scale environmental contamination and reduce adverse health impacts of those that have occurred. While registration for in-person attendance has closed, you can still register for the Live Stream.
[Public comment] Massachusetts DEP: PFAS Maximum Contaminant Level Proposed Amendments & Public Comment
Posted: 27 Dec 2019
MassDEP proposed regulatory changes to develop a drinking water standard for six PFAS and will be accepting public comments on proposed regulations ending on February 28, 2020.
[Public comment] Washington State Draft Report to the Legislature: Safer Products
Posted: 29 Jan 2020
The draft report to be submitted to the legislature by June 1, 2020 identifies carpet and aftermarket carpet treatments containing PFAS among the priority products. A webinar is scheduled for February 19, 2020. Comment period ends on March 2, 2020.
Northeast Conference on the Science of PFAS: Public Health & the Environment
Event: 31 Mar 2020
NEWMOA, in collaboration with others, has organized a conference to ensure that action to address PFAS contamination is informed by the most current and reliable science. There is also an open call for conference presenters, posters, and sponsors.
FLUOROS 2020: An International Symposium on Fluorinated Compounds and Their Impacts on Human and Environmental Health
Event: 13 Oct 2020
An opportunity for unbiased and multidisciplinary exchange of information regarding the latest developments and scientific advances on PFAS. Participants will share the latest knowledge and resources concerning the environmental and biomedical advances on PFAS and their work towards minimizing both human exposure and environmental effects related to PFAS.
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