We partner with companies and organisations across the world to identify and resolve the challenges of PFAS
Identify
What are PFAS?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic chemicals used for over 50 years in industrial applications; including many consumer products for stain resistance, non-stick materials and waterproofing. Beginning in the 1960s, PFAS became key components of aqueous film forming foams used for Class B firefighting. They don’t easily break down in the environment due to the way they were manufactured and have the ability to travel thousands of kilometres through the environment.
Why are PFAS a problem?
The worldwide historic use of PFAS has resulted in public and regulatory concerns due to the release of these persistent chemicals into the environment. The very characteristics that made PFAS attractive in industrial applications—stability and resistance to chemical, thermal, or biological degradation—have made them problematic.
PFAS bioaccumulate is believed to create human health risks at very low concentrations in drinking water. How PFAS impacts human health and the environment have made it the subject of ongoing research and media attention.
Where are PFAS found?
Soil
PFAS in soil can cause contamination of surface and groundwater, and also impact the food production process.
Water
PFAS are extremely mobile in water leading to widespread contamination in surface and groundwater.
Concrete
Concrete infrastructure can absorb significant levels of PFAS in its multiple means of exposure to contaminated water.
Foam
Sites where Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) were used can have significant sources of PFAS contamination to soil and groundwater.