PFAS Waste Disposal
What Are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated substances, are present in various consumer goods, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent products, stain-resistant materials, and firefighting foams. Certain cosmetic products also contain PFAS. These persistent chemicals do not degrade, resulting in their long-term presence in the environment. Improper disposal leads to the contamination of soil, water, and air. PFAS compounds have been detected in the bloodstreams of individuals and animals worldwide.
Are PFAS Forever Chemicals?
Forever chemicals are those that do not break down (either in the body or in the environment). PFAS are, in fact, forever chemicals. Because they do not degrade, groundwater contamination of PFAS is a real risk. When these forever chemicals contaminate water sources, this can lead to drinking water and food contamination of PFAS. This is how PFAS enters the human body.
How Does Bioaccumulation Affect PFAS in the Environment?
Bioaccumulation refers to the buildup of chemicals in (remove aquatic) organisms over time in comparison to their natural environment. This allows chemicals like PFAS to make their way into the food chain.. As we consume food that has increased levels of PFAS, the chemicals will build up in our bodies potentially leading to long term health effects.
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What Are the Health Effects of PFAS?
Since these chemicals are in the environment and the blood of living creatures, people often wonder, “Are PFAS toxic?”. Though a crucial question, a serious lack of knowledge persists about the toxicity of these chemicals. The CDC indicates exposure to high levels of PFAS may cause increased cholesterol levels, changes to liver enzymes, increased risk of pregnancy complications and cancer, and decreased vaccine responses in children. Drinking water contamination and the effects of PFAS on the body are serious concerns because of the damaging nature of these chemicals.
How to Properly Dispose of PFAS
Ground and surface water contamination of PFAS poses a serious risk to humans and the environment. Yet PFAS are found in a range of products, from food and beverage packaging to cookware in kitchens. Not to mention, manufacturing processes often create waste that is tainted with PFAS.
PFAS has become one of the newest environmental concerns due to its abundance in our daily lives. Ground and surface water contamination of PFAS has been found in many areas of the United States. PFAS can also be found in products such as food and beverage packaging and cookware. Certain manufacturing processes can also create waste that is tainted with PFAS.
Companies that produce PFAS waste need to partner with an industrial waste disposal company that understands how to properly manage and dispose of these chemicals. Wattbar Industries has the knowledge and expertise to institute PFAS disposal methods that comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Our experts know the proper waste management techniques to provide as much protection as possible to the environment while helping your business stay compliant. If you need help with PFAS disposal, contact Wattbar Industries for a free quote.
