The Invisible Threat in Our Water: Unmasking PFOA/PFAS Contamination

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PFOA/PFAS contamination: health risks and remediation - Solution

Health Risk Assessment And Monitoring

We provide comprehensive evaluation of potential health impacts from PFOA/PFAS exposure, including analysis of contamination levels and pathways to human contact.

  • Conduct site-specific exposure assessments
  • Analyze drinking water, soil, and air samples
  • Evaluate risks for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women
  • Establish long-term health monitoring programs

Contamination Source Identification

We help trace the origins of PFOA/PFAS contamination through forensic analysis and historical site investigation to determine liability and prevent further spread.

  • Map contamination plumes using advanced sampling
  • Investigate industrial history and waste disposal practices
  • Identify primary and secondary contamination sources
  • Document chain of custody for legal purposes

Remediation Technology Selection

We assist in choosing the most effective treatment methods based on contamination characteristics, site conditions, and regulatory requirements.

  • Evaluate granular activated carbon filtration systems
  • Assess ion exchange and reverse osmosis technologies
  • Review emerging destructive technologies like plasma or supercritical water oxidation
  • Compare in-situ versus ex-situ treatment approaches

Regulatory Compliance And Reporting

We navigate complex regulatory frameworks and help clients meet reporting requirements while protecting community interests.

  • Interpret EPA health advisory levels and state regulations
  • Prepare required documentation for regulatory agencies
  • Develop community notification and engagement plans
  • Assist with potential litigation support and expert testimony

Water Treatment System Design

We engineer customized treatment solutions for municipal, industrial, and residential water systems affected by PFAS contamination.

  • Design point-of-entry and point-of-use treatment systems
  • Optimize treatment train configurations for cost-effectiveness
  • Specify appropriate media and replacement schedules
  • Develop operation and maintenance protocols

Site Remediation Implementation

We manage the complete remediation process from pilot testing through full-scale implementation and long-term monitoring.

  • Conduct pilot studies to validate treatment effectiveness
  • Oversee construction and installation of remediation systems
  • Implement containment strategies for soil and groundwater
  • Establish verification sampling and performance monitoring
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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

A: Long-term exposure to PFOA and PFAS has been linked to several serious health risks, including increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, and a higher risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer. These chemicals are persistent in the body and environment, leading to bioaccumulation over time.

A: You can contact your local water utility for their annual water quality report or request specific PFAS testing results. For private wells, you must hire a certified lab for testing. If contamination is found, the most effective home filtration methods are activated carbon filters (especially granulated activated carbon) and reverse osmosis (RO) systems. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (for carbon) or Standard 58 (for RO) certifications specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction are key indicators of effectiveness.

A: The main challenges include the extreme persistence of PFAS, their mobility in groundwater, and the high cost of remediation. Current large-scale methods include pump-and-treat systems using specialized sorbents like ion exchange resins or activated carbon to filter groundwater. For soil, excavation and disposal in specialized landfills or incineration at high temperatures are used, though these are destructive. Emerging technologies include in-situ soil stabilization and advanced destructive methods like supercritical water oxidation or plasma reactors, but these are often in pilot stages.