PFAS

PFAS in the Chemical Distribution Industry

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, long-lasting synthetic chemicals that have been in use for decades. Components of PFAS break down slowly over time. Because of their ubiquity and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world, and scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products, from defense and renewable energy technology to medical devices. This makes it challenging to study and assess the potential human health and environmental risks.

Some PFAS are critical to certain uses, including use in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). While some alternatives exist, they are either not as effective at extinguishing chemical or petroleum-based fires or have only been approved to extinguish jet fuel fires.

For more information on PFAS-related policies, please explore the topics below:

• Guidance on Compliance with TSCA Section 8(a)(7) and ECPRA Section 313 PFAS Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements - January 2024; courtesy of Bergeson & Campell, PC
• We’re Talking All Things PFAS – Guest Blog Series
  • A History of PFAS and Emerging Risk
  • Where's the PFAS? Products, the Environment, and Humans
  • It's an Evolution: How the Acceptable Exposure and Concentration Levels of PFAS Have Evolved Over Time
  • Reducing PFAS Liability and Risk for Chemical Distribution Facility Fixed Class B Firefighting Systems

ASK Distribution Consulting launched consulting services and resources to help distribution companies better understand the Federal and State requirements and methods to assess replacement options for fire suppression system.