PFAS

How do we solve a problem like PFAS? Since production began in the 1940s, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short, have been moving through the environment contaminating soil and water supplies. The stable nature of some of these compounds means that they are resistant to heat, water and oil so don’t breakdown easily.

Bio-accumulation is one troubling side-effect. It is estimated that PFAS are present in the blood of 99 percent of Americans. Toxicological effects are uncertain, but some PFAS chemicals have been linked to issues such as cancer and kidney disease. High profile cases have increased public awareness and attracted regulatory attention.

However, PFAS chemicals are here to stay, at least for the time being. Everyday applications range from non-stick frying pans to food packaging and waterproof clothing. PFAS are an essential ingredient in firefighting foam.

In this thoroughly engaging podcast, AECOM’s team of specialists from around the world share their in-depth knowledge of ‘forever chemical’ answering questions such as: How widespread is the problem? What are the risks to human health and how worried should we be? How can we remove them from the soil and water supply?

Progress is being made. Across the globe, research focus is shifting away from energy intensive management methods towards technologies that actually destroy these toxic compounds. This exciting step-change in the way we deal with PFAS is explored in depth by the panel, in particular AECOM’s ground-breaking destructive treatment tool (DE-FLUORO^TM ).