Introduction
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of long-lasting, synthetic chemicals used extensively in industrial and household products. Manufacture, use, and release of products containing PFAS has resulted in their widespread occurrence in drinking water and the environment. Releases to the environment may have come from manufacturing and processing facilities, secondary facilities using PFAS in production of other products, airports, oil and gas facilities, municipalities, and military installations.
Many PFAS don’t degrade readily on their own, and some are highly mobile in the environment – they can be found in water, soil, air, plants, and animals across the globe. Studies indicate that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse human and ecological health effects.
Uses of PFAS
The PFAS Challenge
PFAS regulatory limits in drinking water and the environment are rapidly evolving and increasingly stringent.
What makes PFAS particularly challenging is many of these chemicals do not break down easily. Many PFAS are usually released as complex mixtures that can change over time and are also highly mobile, meaning they easily move from one area to another. Because of these factors, traditional approaches for removing and destroying environmental contaminants have limited effectiveness.
How We Can Help
We lead the industry with PFAS assessment, characterization, treatment, and research. Our ability to shape PFAS solutions is drawn from comprehensive environmental, water, wastewater, solid waste, and infrastructure expertise around the world.