PFAS

Protecting Renewable Energy Equipment from Harsh Environments

  “Ensuring the alternative energy sector’s long-term success will require protecting a wide variety of equipment from the elements in harsh outdoor settings, while optimizing performance and minimizing required maintenance. From small solar powered LED lighting to massive solar farms, as well as wind turbines of all sizes, critical components must be able to stand … [Read more…]

New Legislation on PFAS May Affect Your Fire Suppression System

  “Over the past few decades, the fire protection industry has been affected by national/international restrictions and bans on production of the chemicals used in fire suppression systems. The first and most notable event was the Montreal Protocol in 1992 that essentially halted the production of Halon®, categorized as a class 1 ozone depleting substance … [Read more…]

20 Million Acres of U.S. Cropland May Be Contaminated by PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’

  “Toxic per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” are a family of more than 9,000 synthetic, human-made chemicals that barely break down in the natural environment, according to CHEM Trust. PFAS are used to make products water-, heat- or stain-resistant, The Guardian reported. Very low amounts of these forever chemicals … [Read more…]

High Levels Of Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found In Anti-Fogging Sprays And Wipes

  “Anti-fogging sprays and cloths often used to prevent condensation on eyeglasses from wearing a mask or on face shields may contain high levels of potentially toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”, according to a new study led by Duke University. Researchers tested four of the top-rated anti-fogging sprays as well as five top-rated anti-fogging cloths sold … [Read more…]

Trelina officials ‘committed’ to using best, safest solar panels

  “Some residents of the Packwood and Serven Road area, where the Trelina Solar Energy Center will be built, are asking questions about the solar panels. They want assurances that the panels will not contain environmentally hazardous chemicals or materials. The 80 megawatt project was approved for a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need … [Read more…]

Icephobic surfaces for ice, snow shedding in utility scale solar

  “Developed by U.S. researchers, the proposed coating solution is claimed to effectively melt ice and snow with temperatures of up to -35 degrees Celsius. It was fabricated by using medium-chain triglyceride oil to plasticize two common industrial polymer polyvinyl chlorides and tested at a pilot facility in Alaska. U.S. researchers have developed a coating … [Read more…]

Lawsuit filed against 3M, DuPont, others over LA County PFAS contamination

  “SL Environmental Law Group has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Water Replenishment District (WRD) against 3M Company, E.I. DuPont de Nemours, Inc., and other manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for their involvement in the manufacture and sale of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have contaminated groundwater supplies within WRD’s service … [Read more…]

PFAS, Solar Panels and the Precautionary Principle

April 2023 American Chemistry Council PFAS: Critical to Renewable Energy     June 2022 OECD (2022), Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Alternatives in Coatings, Paints and Varnishes (CPVs), Report on the Commercial Availability and Current Uses, OECD Series on Risk Management, No. 70, Environment, Health and Safety, Environment Directorate. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development … [Read more…]

A Move to Rein In Cancer-Causing ‘Forever Chemicals’

  “Michael Regan, the E.P.A. administrator, wants to limit a class of chemicals that has been linked to cancer and is found in everything from drinking water to furniture. The Biden administration on Monday said it would require chemical manufacturers to test and publicly report the amount of a family of chemicals known as PFAS … [Read more…]