PFAS Background and Impact

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that are known for their unique ability to repel water and resist heat, oil, and grease. They have been widely used in a variety of industrial and consumer products for decades due to these properties.

The widespread use of PFAS chemicals has raised concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment. PFAS compounds are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, including humans. Some studies have linked exposure to PFAS chemicals to health issues such as cancer, liver damage, developmental effects, and immune system problems. As a result, there have been efforts to regulate and reduce the use of PFAS chemicals in various products and industrial processes. What should you know about PFAS?

Stay Up to Date: PFAS Regulation

S&ME PFAS Services

S&ME is actively guiding our clients and partners through regulatory and business impacts from impending PFAS regulations.

Our PFAS services include:

  • Site Characterization including preparing site-specific PFAS Sampling Plans to generate defensible data
  • Due Diligence Services for properties involving PFAS sources including landfills, industrial properties, fire training facilities, car washes and others
  • PFAS Data Evaluation and Forensics including statistical analysis and fingerprinting
  • Interfacing with Regulatory Agencies on PFAS-impacted sites
  • Compliance and Business Risk Solutions including permitting support
  • PFAS sampling activities adhering to strict quality standards

S&ME Senior Engineer + PFAS Technical Lead, Lucas Barroso-Giachetti, Publications and Presentations

  • Fighter Jets to Fire Fighters – PFAS Forum I, April 2021
  • PFAS & Brownfields– Georgia Brownfields Assoc., April 2023 & April 2024
  • PFAS Data Quality (Co-Presenter with U.S. EPA and TDEC) – Tennessee Show of the South, May 2023 & May 2024
  • Data Quality Roundtable – Georgia Environmental Conference – August 2023