Latest News
Elevated PFAS levels found in tap water in major U.S. cities
24 Jan 2020 | UPI
A new study of tap water samples across the United States has revealed PFAS compounds, human-made chemicals linked with a variety of health problems, to be more prevalent than earlier surveys.
Study: PFAS found in Ann Arbor drinking water
23 Jan 2020 | Michigan Advance
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) called on Congress to pass legislation that establishes national regulations on PFAS in drinking water and increases cleanup efforts.
Assembly advances PFAS bill
23 Jan 2020
The bill, which now heads to the State Senate, would prevent firefighters from using foam that contains PFAS, a family of toxic chemicals. The bill would allow the use of toxic foam in emergencies and in cases when fire departments have a plan to deal with the foam.
EPA adds 160 PFAS to Toxics Release Inventory
23 Jan 2020 | C&EN
US businesses that emit any of 160 types of PFAS to air, water, or land will have to report those releases to the Environmental Protection Agency.
More PFAS questions, concerns in Brunswick
22 Jan 2020 | Star News Online
Schools send bottled water to one site as county and water officials defend their current practices and future endeavors.
PFAS contamination of drinking water far more prevalent than previously reported
22 Jan 2020 | EWG
Of tap water samples from 44 places in 31 states and the District of Columbia, only one location had no detectable PFAS, and only two other locations had PFAS below the level that independent studies show pose risks to human health.
Miami Springs tap-water wells closed due to chemical contamination
21 Jan 2020 | Miami New Times
The Miami area ranked third highest in the nation for PFAS levels in the recent EWG investigation. Testing conducted on the three Miami Springs wells last July by the county detected 184, 182, and 124 ppt.
Clean Cape Fear joins petition for EPA to consider PFAS ‘hazardous waste.’ Here’s how it could change things
20 Jan 2020 | Port City Daily
It’s worth noting that over the last year, the EPA has taken a number of steps to consider to rule-making action on PFAS. But while environmental advocates agree those steps are important, the EPA hasn’t moved the ball on actual enforcement, according to Dr. Tom Bruton, senior scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute.
Clarkson University researchers & U.S. Air Force use plasma to remove PFAS
20 Jan 2020 | WQP
The plasma zaps the water's surface, where it spreads, hitting PFAS molecules and splitting them. Once the carbon and fluorine molecules have been separated, the PFAS compound is destroyed.
Colorado fire departments are switching to a new PFAS firefighting foam, but concerns linger
17 Jan 2020 | CPR News
An older generation of the firefighting foam containing PFAS has been retired from use in Colorado, and across military bases. Now, a newer version with a different chemical formula is available. Originally it was believed to not accumulate in the body, but research is emerging that shows potentially toxic health effects.
US, Japan defense officials discuss how to address chemical contamination near American bases
17 Jan 2020 | Stars and Stripes
During a recent meeting the officials agreed that the two governments should work together to create a task force for handling toxic chemicals.
State orders 3M to form new plan to contain PFAS at Oakdale site after water contamination found
16 Jan 2020 | INFORUM
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has discovered that potentially harmful chemicals are still leaching into surface water from a former 3M waste disposal site in Oakdale, despite the company’s efforts to contain them.
PFAS concern remains high In Marinette
16 Jan 2020 | Milwaukee Public Media
In 2013, Johnson Controls, firefighting foam production and training facility, discovered PFAS contamination in soil and wells within its 380-acre campus. Four years later, the company reported that it believed contamination had spread outside its property.
FAA opens fire research facility
16 Jan 2020 | AVweb
The 2,500 square-foot, fully enclosed fire-test facility will “eliminate weather related variables in testing and enhance data collection capabilities” along with containing and collecting fire testing chemical byproducts and preventing contamination of the surrounding area.
Groups calling to have PFAS listed as hazardous chemicals by the EPA
15 Jan 2020 | KTUU-TV
Listing under RCRA will subject the chemicals to strict storage, transfer, and disposal requirements. It would also result in the automatic designation of these chemicals as hazardous substances under the federal Superfund law, unlocking clean-up dollars to address contaminated sites.