PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries around the world since the 1940s. They are widely used for their water and grease resistance properties, making them common in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil.
PFAS are known for being persistent in the environment and in the human body, meaning they do not break down and can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects, which is why they are becoming a concern for environmental and health agencies globally.
PFAS Regulatory Update
UCMR 5 Program – January 2023 to December 2025
Sample over 10,000 Public Water System (PWS) for 29 PFAS compounds
The monitoring data will help EPA make determinations about future regulations for PFAS.
RCRA Proposed Rule – February 2024, EPA proposed rule to designate 9 PFAS hazardous constituents.
CERCLA Final Rule – April 2024, EPA finalized rule designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances
SDWA Enforceable MCLs – April 2024, EPA finalized rule to set enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for 6 PFAS compounds in drinking water.
CWA NPDES and PFAS – March 26, 2024, EPA published a Federal Register (FR) Notice to solicit comments on PFAS in wastewater.
EPA is conducting a POTW influent study to collect and analyze nationwide data on the distribution of PFAS to POTWs.
The data collection will enable EPA to characterize the types and quantities of PFAS in wastewater discharge, as well as in POTW influent, effluent, and sewage sludge.
Approved Methods & Containers for PFAS
Item
Method 537.1 Part #LPV008249600
Method 533 Part #LPV008294600
Method 1633 Part #LPV008200660
Matrix
DW
DW
WW, GW, SW, Solid/Sediment, Leachate
Number of Compounds
18
25
40
Container Type
250 mL HDPE PP cap
250 mL HDPE pp cap
250 mL HDPE PP cap
Preservative
Tris/Tris HCI (1.25 g)
Ammonium Acetate (250 mg)
None
Hold Time
Shipping: 10° C or lower. Lab: 6° C or lower until extraction; extract within 14 days of collection. Samples must not be frozen.
Shipping: 2 days at 10° C or lower. Lab: 6° C or lower until extraction; extract within 28 days of collection. Samples must not be frozen.
Shipping: 48 hours at 6° C or lower. Lab: 90 days from collection at -20° C, or, 28 days from collection at 4° C.
Recent Comments