The European Environment Agency (EEA), a subsidiary of the European Union, released a report saying that “permanent chemicals” are everywhere in European waters, and the pollution they cause to waters has exceeded the regulatory threshold set to reduce potential risks to human health and the environment. “Permanent chemicals” are collectively referred to as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are extremely difficult to degrade under natural conditions. They include perfluorooctane sulfonyl compounds (PFOS), which are listed as “possible carcinogens” by the World Health Organization. Reports say that although PFOS was banned in 2019, the latest report from the EEA found that the substance is still widely present in European waters. Data show that from 2018 to 2022, 51% to 60% of rivers, 11% to 35% of lakes and 47% to 100% of coastal waters in Europe exceeded the PFOS content. Specifically, in 2022, the PFOS content in the waters of Belgium, France and Iceland completely exceeded the standard, while Spain, Ireland, Poland and other places exceeded the standard less. Bulgaria, Latvia and Montenegro are the only few countries where PFOS content does not exceed the standard.
PFAS in The Environment
PFAS enter water supplies through a variety of channels. The most common is through discharge from industrial wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment is often not adequate to remove all PFAS chemicals, so much of the wastewater discharged into rivers and streams contains these chemicals. PFAS can also enter water supplies in other ways. Industrial plants often use PFAS chemicals for various processes that can release these substances into local waterways. Even everyday items, such as non-stick cookware or cleaning supplies, can contain PFAS contaminants, which can enter water supplies if dumped down sinks or other drains. PFAS also seeps into the environment through landfills and wastewater treatment plants. Over the years, the excess contaminants released into our environment by industry have posed a serious risk to the health of surrounding ecosystems and humans.
In addition to water pollution, PFAS can also enter the environment through air pollution. When these chemicals are used in firefighting foams or industrial processes, they can enter the atmosphere and eventually settle on the ground or in water supplies. Once they are in the environment, they can persist and accumulate.
Several studies that have been conducted into the presence and prevalence of PFAS contamination in water and the environment have found that PFAS are present in water sources around the world, with high levels of contamination found near industrial facilities that use PFAS. The European Forever Project recently released a new map showing the extent of PFAS in Europe. The survey showed that PFAS chemicals contaminate more than 17,000 sites across the continent. A further 22,000 sites are thought to be contaminated due to current or past industrial activity.
PFAS in Drinking Water
PFAS are more widespread in drinking water sources than previously thought. A national study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found PFAS in tap water in 43 states across the United States, affecting an estimated 110 million Americans. Higher levels of PFAS were found in samples from Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama and California. The BBC, in collaboration with the University of Greenwich and Manchester Metropolitan University, collected 45 tap water samples from locations across the United Kingdom. About 25 samples contained PFAS, with four samples having PFAS levels exceeding 10 ng/L, meaning that local medical professionals must be consulted and levels monitored. Almost half of the samples exceeded the European Food Standards Agency’s permissible limit of 2.2 ng/L.
Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a variety of health problems, including thyroid disease, liver damage, weakened immunity, and even cancer. Adverse effects of PFAS exposure can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure, the type of PFAS, and individual susceptibility. However, even low levels of PFAS exposure can be harmful.
A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found PFAS in the blood samples of 98% of subjects in the United States. This study alone shows the wide range of exposure and potential dangers of PFAS. PFAS exposure is more common in certain occupations, including firefighters, as PFAS is present in firefighting foams and can lead to inhalation and skin exposure. A study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that firefighters had higher levels of PFAS in their blood than the general population. Higher exposure levels have heightened concerns about the long-term effects of PFAS on individuals and the environment.
A 2018 study conducted by the University of Exeter found a link between PFAS exposure and reduced sperm quality and motility in men. The study concluded that exposure to these chemicals can negatively impact a couple’s chances of conceiving. Despite uncertainty about the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency has set a health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion, which it says minimizes the risk of exposure.
PFAS Treatment Requires More Effort
Italian multinational De Nora and destruction specialist Aclarity recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to treat and mineralize PFAS across the United States. Aclarity announced that it has successfully destroyed PFAS chemicals at a customer site in large quantities in landfill leachate, a major source of PFAS contamination in the environment. The full-scale trial demonstrated that PFAS can be destroyed at full-scale capacity in large-scale operations. The modular nature of the technology allows for both low-flow destruction scenarios and the treatment of millions of gallons per day or more. Until now, PFAS destruction technologies have been relegated to labs or batch processes. However, most wastewater treatment processes require continuous-flow solutions—batch processes interrupt facility operations.
PFAS chemicals are a growing societal concern that have negatively impacted the environment and our health. For those looking to reduce their exposure, it’s important to know where PFAS are found and how they enter our everyday environment. Additionally, more research is needed to better mitigate the potential threats these chemicals pose to human health. Ultimately, by creating greater awareness and taking practical steps to make informed decisions about PFAS-based items, people’s exposure can be significantly reduced and a safe, healthy environment can be ensured for everyone.
