PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Newsletter
SGS Updates
Our excellence in PFAS and emerging contaminants measurement is highlighted in a number of recent research articles published this month.
Firstly, Using Dose-Additive Models To Predict Exposure and Effects of a Military Site Risk-Relevant PFAS Mixture in Mice features Bharat Chandramouli, SGS’ Product Director and PFAS expert as a coauthor. In this study, US government researchers studied lab exposure of PFAS relevant to AFFF contaminated sites. Our lab measured the PFAS in serum and mice tissue using EPA 1633-based methods. Researchers found that the PFAS exposure and liver effects were dose-additive on individual PFAS, a finding which has the potential to “provide efficient predictive screening tools for ecological risk assessors evaluating sites”. Establishing additivity on PFAS effects is interesting!
In “Effects of fluorinated ski wax bans on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations in indoor dust from ski waxing workspaces”, we helped researchers in Middlebury College Vermont understand how ski wax bans impacted PFAS levels in ski workplaces. Bharat Chandramouli is a coauthor on this study as well. The study found that levels of PFAS as measured in wipes of ski waxing workspace dropped significantly after restrictions on PFAS-based waxes that started coming into effect after 2020. Interestingly, HFPO-DA (GenX chemistry) was found to be a prominent contributor.
We were privileged to have provided analytical support for this comprehensive study on contaminants in juvenile chinook salmon. Pacific salmon are under a lot of stress, and as the main diet for the critically endangered Southern Resident Orca of the Pacific Northwest, understanding contaminant loads in salmon is critical. The study was funded by the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and SGS measured > 595 contaminants over 9 chemical classes including alkylphenols, dioxins, PCBs, PAHs, pharmaceuticals, flame retardants and PFAS. Researchers identified sixteen priority contaminants with potential for adverse effects with 23 more classified as watchlist contaminants for further study. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) covered this story as well.
US Policy News
EPA is highlighting innovative PFAS treatment and destruction technologies, announcing nearly $1 billion in new funding to states to address PFAS in drinking water, and issuing two proposed rules for public comment that uphold the National Primary Drinking Water Standards for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).
Proposed PFOA and PFOS Compliance Extension Rule
EPA announced a proposed rule to uphold the federal drinking water Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) while strengthening practical implementation by providing an option for drinking water systems to request two additional years – to 2031 – to comply with the enforceable limits.
On April 20, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the 2026 Interim Guidance on PFAS Destruction and Disposal and opened it for public comment. This marks the third major update since the agency first issued the guidance in 2020. This update revises the guidance frequency from the legally required every three years to annual updates.
US News by State
National
New EPA guidance targets safer disposal of ‘forever chemicals’
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on April 23 released updated interim guidance on the destruction and disposal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, aiming to strengthen protections for public health and the environment. The guidance reflects the latest available data and is intended to help states, utilities, waste handlers and local communities manage the long-lasting chemicals more safely.
Montana
State agencies release updated PFAS advisories for fish
Montanans who consume fish from many of its waterways should take care when doing so, a combined statement from three state agencies says. The state released updated guidance because per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in fish across the state. Updated guidelines, including which areas to take particular care with, can be found on the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks website.
Hawaii
PFAS detected in Haleakala National Park water system
PFAS chemicals have been detected in water samples collected from the Haleakala National Park water system on Maui, according to the Hawaii Department of Health. Samples collected between Nov. 14, 2023, and March 31, 2026, detected perfluorobutanoic acid, or PFBA, at the Haleakala Park Rain Shed Chlorinator.
District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)
EPA Announces Over $9 Million for District of Columbia to Address PFAS in Drinking Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $9,457,000 in new Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) grant funding to address PFAS and emerging contaminants in District of Columbia communities that need it most.
Maryland
EPA Announces Over $9.5 Million for Maryland to Address PFAS in Drinking Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $9,687,000 in new Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) grant funding to address PFAS and emerging contaminants in Maryland communities that need it most.
Minnesota
PFAS monitoring finds forever chemicals in every rain and snow sample across the Great Lakes
Researchers with Minnesota Sea Grant say new findings from a two-year study show PFAS contamination is consistently entering the Great Lakes region through rain and snow. The project, funded by the United States Geological Survey, monitored precipitation at five locations across Minnesota and Michigan and detected PFAS in every sample collected.
North Carolina
PFAS and 1,4-dioxane silently move through Haw River as North Carolina weighs new limits
State regulators are considering new rules that would require certain wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities to monitor and reduce discharges of PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” along with 1,4-dioxane, a likely human carcinogen.
South Carolina
Study finds elevated PFAS levels near former Myrtle Beach air base
A Coastal Carolina University study found elevated levels of PFAS in Midway Swash, sea foam, and sea spray near the Market Common area. An Air Force base operated at the location until 1993. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Waccamaw River Alliance, detected the manmade chemicals in water swashes and runoff areas.
Oregon
EPA Announces $10.6 Million to Address PFAS in Drinking Water in Oregon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced nearly $10,558,000 in new Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities grant funding to address PFAS and emerging contaminants in Oregon communities that need it most.
Canada
Sharp drop in ‘forever chemicals’ in seabird eggs hailed as win for regulation
Levels of Pfas in northern gannet eggs in Canada fell up to 74% over 55-year period of study. Some of the most dangerous Pfas compounds have dramatically fallen in Canadian seabird eggs, which the authors of a new peer-reviewed study say illustrates how regulations are effective.
Global
Norway
New study suggests PFAS exposure in Norway is underestimated
For the first time, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) has been detected in blood samples from participants in a Norwegian study. TFA is one of many substances in the PFAS group found in the environment. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a PFAS that has been little studied in humans. A recent study, conducted by researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and Örebro University in Sweden, measured both TFA and overall organic fluorine levels.