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
As Portland transitions away from PFAS-laden firefighting foam at the Jetport, lawmakers intend to make state follow
17 Jan 2025 | The Maine Monitor
Brunswick airport’s toxic foam spill highlighted the need to transition to safer alternatives. A Brunswick legislator is pushing for that to happen.
A PFAS-free fire suppressant made with Maine wood could fight wildfires
17 Jan 2025 | Portland Press Herald
The chemical-free extinguisher could move to the market – and onto firefighting airplanes – quickly. But getting it certified will take time and money.
Bloodletting recommended for Jersey residents after PFAS contamination
16 Jan 2025 | The Guardian
In response to the blood results, the government established an independent PFAS scientific advisory panel to advise public policy. The panel’s first report recommended that the government should look at offering bloodletting to affected residents.
Smartwatch bands can contain ‘major’ levels of toxic PFAS, study finds
16 Jan 2025 | The Guardian
High amounts of ‘forever chemicals’ that can be absorbed through skin detected in common brands of wrist bands.
3M knew firefighting foams containing PFAS were toxic, documents show
15 Jan 2025 | The Guardian
Newly uncovered documents reveal chemicals giant was aware ‘environmentally neutral’ products did not biodegrade.
Latest Science
High-throughput Screening of Protein Interactions with Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Used in Photolithography
21 Jan 2025 | J. Hazard. Mater.
A computational approach for screening protein interactions with PFAS used in semiconductor manufacturing reveals potential health risks, especially given the growing global demand for semiconductors.
Unveiling per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in e-cigarette refill liquids: A comprehensive analytical assessment
15 Jan 2025 | Sci. Total Environ.
PFAS contamination was found in 84% of e-cigarette refill liquids, with certain compounds detected at significant levels, raising concerns about additional health risks from vaping and PFAS environmental release.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Exposures to PFAS and Other Unregulated Industrial Drinking Water Contaminants in US Public Water Systems
15 Jan 2025 | Environ Health Perspect
Socioeconomic and racial disparities are linked to higher exposures to unregulated industrial contaminants, such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, in U.S. public water systems, with more than 97 million US residents being exposed to at least one of four unregulated contaminants.
Levels and oxidative toxicity of microplastics and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in different tissues of sea cucumber (Holothuria tubulosa)
13 Jan 2025 | Sci Total Environ
Sea cucumbers, as key marine organisms, serve as indicators of environmental pollution, and their exposure to microplastics and PFAS highlights the potential risks these pollutants pose to marine ecosystems and human health through the food chain.
Research on the PFAS release and migration behavior of multi-layer outdoor jacket fabrics
13 Jan 2025 | J Hazard Mater
The release and migration of PFAS from outdoor jacket fabrics, especially those treated with short-chain fluorinated polymers (C6F13-SFPs), increase during aging, abrasion, and washing cycles, posing significant environmental risks through the migration of PFAS into the environment and the release of microfibers that carry these pollutants.
Latest Policy
EPA administrator nominee talks PFAS, plastic and economy during confirmation hearing
17 Jan 2025
Lee Zeldin highlighted his plan to balance protecting the environment with protecting the economy and said working on PFAS passive receiver issues would be on his to-do list if confirmed.
[Press Release] Attorney General Bonta Co-leads Amicus Brief Defending Nationwide PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Drinking Water Standards
17 Jan 2025
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 17 states in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit defending a U.S. EPA rule establishing the first nationwide drinking water standards for certain toxic PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The Race to Remove ‘Forever Chemicals’ from Clothing Ahead of Bans
10 Jan 2025
New York and California forced companies to remove PFAS from apparel. It hasn’t been smooth.
FDA Announces Food Contact Notifications for 35 PFAS are No Longer Effective
6 Jan 2025
As of January 6, 2025, the U.S. FDA has announced that the food contact notifications for 35 PFAS are no longer effective, due to the abandonment of their uses by industry.
Final Effluent Guidelines Program Plan
6 Jan 2025
The Final Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 (Final Plan 15) announces one new rulemaking and several new studies.
Opportunities
[Job] Municipal Toxics Reduction Program Assistant
Event: 27 Jan 2025
The Toxics Reduction and Healthy Communities team is hiring a 5638 Municipal Toxics Reduction Program Assistant. This is the entry-level position in the environmental job classification series.
[Public Comment] 2024 Draft PFAS Human Health Water Quality Criteria
Event: 24 Feb 2025
The EPA is accepting written comments from the public on the draft human health criteria through February 24, 2025.
International Conference “PFAS In Soil – Forever Pollution, Forever Concern?”
Event: 25 Mar 2025
The conference will provide an exchange platform for scientists, (political) decision-makers, representatives of authorities as well as experts dealing with PFAS emissions and contamination.
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