In 2021, new federal regulations and California regulations were created
To protect public health from the effects of Per-
Polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) Industries that employ clients.
Use PFAS for clients, owners of PFAS contaminated properties, as well as PFAS-contaminated persons
Californians selling products containing PFAS should be aware
The changing regulatory environment
ABOUT PFAS
PFAS are a diverse set of chemicals created by humans that are used in a variety.
a wide range of industrial and consumer products. Many PFAS can be resistant
They can be used to grease, oil and heat and have been in use since the 1940s
In a variety industrial and consumer product applications
This includes nonstick cookware and stain- and moisture-resistant fabrics.
Carpeting, cleaning products paints and fire-fighting foams.
There are currently approximately 650 types PFAS available for sale under the
Toxic Substances Control Act. PFAS may also be
Food & Drug Administration approved for use in
Cookware, food packaging and food processing equipment. PFAS is a regulated substance.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) has a number of guidelines to help you avoid this.
Only six to eight facilities have been identified that produce PFAS,
feedstock, and the most significant discharges of PFAS are found in a
handful of industries, including PFAS production/processing, metal
Finishing, airports and pulp and paper production.
Textile and carpet manufacturing.
Recent scientific and regulatory attention has been devoted to
PFAS and their tendency not to be destroyed and accumulate were the main focus of this article.
in the environment, and in the human bodies, for whom they have been awarded the
“Forever chemicals” is their nickname While there are many types of PFAS,
There are some species that are better studied than others. Evidence is growing that they are.
Some PFAS can cause serious health problems, but not all.
such as cancer or reproductive harm. Products containing PFAS are
PFAS’s are used to dispose of waste regularly.
Inability to break down in the environmental environment means that the removal
Additional effects can be caused by PFAS in contaminated areas.
PFAS-contaminated waste. PFAS-contaminated waste is currently largely
There is a growing awareness about the health hazards of unregulated tobacco products, but it is not regulated.
In the last few years, PFAS has attracted more attention.
Federal and state regulatory bodies are expected to be involved.
Regulation of PFAS-contaminated and PFAS-contaminated materials will continue
In the near future.
REGULATION FEDERAL
In April 2021, EPA created the EPA Council on PFAS.
Intent to develop a strategy for protecting public health and the environment
Environment from the impacts of PFAS. EPA became effective October 18, 2021.
A “PFAS Strategic Roadmap“which outlines
EPA’s approach for regulating PFAS. Because PFAS remain in
The EPA anticipates regulations for widespread use in U.S. Commerce
PFAS downstream effects are not ignored.
Pollution can be prevented by looking upstream.
Contamination from air, land, or water. Its Roadmap.
EPA declares its intention to “impose appropriate limits on
The introduction of unsafe PFAS to commerce and. . All
Available regulatory and permitting authorities to limit emission
and discharges from industrial plants
In January 2022 EPA submitted its first plan to the White House.
House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to designate two PFAS.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) & Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
(PFOS) as hazardous substances under Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.
Once OMB has completed its review the EPA will publish a draft rule in
TheFederal RegisterFor public comment. A final
The rule will be finalized by Summer 2023. The rule will be finalized once it is.
Facilities are required to report on PFOA/PFOS releases.
Cost recovery or contributions to cover costs incurred in connection with
These releases must be cleaned up
EPA plans to also publish a national PFAS testing strategy.
New PFAs that use the TSCA New must be subject to a rigorous review
Chemicals program and review of previous PFAS decisions
This program will reduce the use of PFAs that have been abandoned and increase PFAS.
Reporting under the Toxics Release Inventory. EPA also has
Dedicated to addressing and eventually limiting PFAS in the industrial sector
wastewater discharges.
REGULATION CALIFORNIA
California is just one of the many states that are currently
PFAS restrictions. Bans on PFAS in food wrappers
Products for children and firefighting foam will be available in
2023. Proposed legislation would also prohibit the sale
Textiles and clothing containing PFAS are required
Manufacturers will use the “least harmful alternative”
These products can be replaced with PFAS.
California has also taken steps to regulate the amount of
PFAS in drinking water. The State has been implementing PFAS in drinking water for the past 2021.
Division of Drinking Water, Water Resources Control Board
Adopted “notification levels” & “response
Public water is subject to the “levels” of PFOA or PFOS.
Supply purveyors. But, there isn’t yet a federal or.
California state drinking water standard (known to be a maximum)
The contaminant level (or “MCL”) for any PFAS compound. The
It is a time-consuming and tedious process to adopt a policy.
MCL state for PFOA/PFOS is in progress and will continue
2022
PROPOSITION 65
California stated its intention to regulate certain things in 2021
PFAs under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of
1985 (Proposition 65), which lists chemicals known by the state
can cause cancer or reproductive harm. California’s May 3, 2021, was the California’s
Identified as Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
PFOA was identified as a carcinogen. It was added to the Proposition 65 listing. OEHHA
The same was done for PFOS on December 24, 2021. Both chemicals had
For reproductive purposes, Proposition 65 was previously in effect.
toxicity. A chemical’s listing under one of these conditions is an example.
Proposition 65 makes it mandatory that any product sold in California be certified.
Potentially exposes consumers to the chemical to bear a
Clear and reasonable warning. Additional PFAS Regulation by States
2022, it is expected. Two additional have been selected by OEHHA.
PFAS, perfluoronanoic and perfluoroundecanoic acids
Evaluation for reproductive toxicities.
This article is intended as a general overview.
guide to the subject matter Expert advice should be sought
Learn more about your particular circumstances.