Forever Chemicals
Current remediation methods produce toxic by-products and fail to permanently eliminate these contaminants
Forever Chemicals
Current remediation methods produce toxic by-products and fail to permanently eliminate these contaminants
Forever Chemicals, also known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), are hazardous substances produced and utilized by all industrialized nations, presenting a significant threat to our environment and public health. These chemicals do not naturally break down, leading to their accumulation in our environment. Currently, nearly every major water source is contaminated with forever chemicals, causing harm to wildlife, habitats, and people. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive disorders, and a range of other serious health problems, making their presence a pressing global issue.
Forever Chemicals, also known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), are hazardous substances produced and utilized by all industrialized nations, presenting a significant threat to our environment and public health. These chemicals do not naturally break down, leading to their accumulation in our environment. Currently, nearly every major water source is contaminated with forever chemicals, causing harm to wildlife, habitats, and people. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive disorders, and a range of other serious health problems, making their presence a pressing global issue.
Dredging
Dredging, the extraction of sediment from water environments, carries significant environmental consequences, particularly in remediation. It disrupts aquatic ecosystems, leading to erosion, noise, and murky water. In addition, harmful substances are further released, commonly known as resuspension, endangering aquatic life and spreading the contaminants. This process also impacts wetlands and the birds' dependence on these aquatic organisms. For port operations, there is also a necessity to suspend activity during dredging, which has notable economic repercussions.
Dig & Haul
The 'Dig & Haul' method, also referred to as excavation and off-site disposal, is a technique employed to manage contaminated materials or waste. It involves physically removing materials from a specific location, but rather than solving the issue, it transfers it to another site. As these materials are transported to landfills or incinerators, they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and expose communities to heighten the risk of transportation spills—exemplified by incidents like the one in Palestine, Ohio.
Incineration
Incineration, a controlled combustion process primarily used for municipal solid waste (MSW), aims to reduce waste volume and generate energy. However, it raises significant environmental and health concerns, notably due to the potential release of dioxins and furans—compounds known for severe health risks. This issue has sparked widespread worry about MSW incineration. Additionally, incineration transforms nearly all carbon content in waste into carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change, about 1 ton of CO2 is released per 1 ton of MSW incinerated. Apart from CO2, incinerators emit diverse pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, heavy metals, and fine particles.
Landfilling
Landfilling is a waste disposal method involving compacting solid waste in designated areas, often covered with soil to aid decomposition. However, this method poses environmental and social concerns. Notably, leachate—formed when rainfall interacts with waste—can pollute groundwater if not controlled. Landfills can disrupt local ecosystems, alter habitats, and serve as food sources for wildlife, while also contributing to dust, odor, and noise pollution that impacts nearby communities. Additionally, landfills can potentially decrease property values in the vicinity. While landfills are necessary for traditional waste, it's crucial to emphasize that using landfills to handle waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is not a suitable option. The heightened risks associated with POPs pose significant threats to our communities and the environment.
Dredging
Dredging, the extraction of sediment from water environments, carries significant environmental consequences, particularly in remediation. It disrupts aquatic ecosystems, leading to erosion, noise, and murky water. In addition, harmful substances are further released, commonly known as resuspension, endangering aquatic life and spreading the contaminants. This process also impacts wetlands and the birds' dependence on these aquatic organisms. For port operations, there is also a necessity to suspend activity during dredging, which has notable economic repercussions.
Dig & Haul
The 'Dig & Haul' method, also referred to as excavation and off-site disposal, is a technique employed to manage contaminated materials or waste. It involves physically removing materials from a specific location, but rather than solving the issue, it transfers it to another site. As these materials are transported to landfills or incinerators, they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and expose communities to heighten the risk of transportation spills—exemplified by incidents like the one in Palestine, Ohio.
Incineration
Incineration, a controlled combustion process primarily used for municipal solid waste (MSW), aims to reduce waste volume and generate energy. However, it raises significant environmental and health concerns, notably due to the potential release of dioxins and furans—compounds known for severe health risks. This issue has sparked widespread worry about MSW incineration. Additionally, incineration transforms nearly all carbon content in waste into carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change, about 1 ton of CO2 is released per 1 ton of MSW incinerated. Apart from CO2, incinerators emit diverse pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, heavy metals, and fine particles.
Landfilling
Landfilling is a waste disposal method involving compacting solid waste in designated areas, often covered with soil to aid decomposition. However, this method poses environmental and social concerns. Notably, leachate—formed when rainfall interacts with waste—can pollute groundwater if not controlled. Landfills can disrupt local ecosystems, alter habitats, and serve as food sources for wildlife, while also contributing to dust, odor, and noise pollution that impacts nearby communities. Additionally, landfills can potentially decrease property values in the vicinity. While landfills are necessary for traditional waste, it's crucial to emphasize that using landfills to handle waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is not a suitable option. The heightened risks associated with POPs pose significant threats to our communities and the environment.
These methods are cost-prohibitive, pose significant health threats to humans, wildlife, and the environment, and fail to permanently eliminate these contaminants.
These methods are cost-prohibitive, pose significant health threats to humans, wildlife, and the environment, and fail to permanently eliminate these contaminants.
STEP 1
STEP 2
We permanently remove these forever chemicals from land and waterways while remaining protective of human health, wildlife, and the environment – all without using harmful chemicals or creating hazardous by-products.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment. Although PFOA and PFOS are no longer manufactured in the United States, they are still produced internationally and are imported into the U.S. in consumer goods such as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging, coatings, rubber, and plastics. PFAS are also used by major companies of the cosmetics industry in a wide range of cosmetics, including lipstick, eye liner, mascara, foundation, concealer, lip balm, blush, and nail polish.
Health Effects:
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, PFAS exposure is linked to increased risk of dyslipidemia (abnormally high cholesterol), suboptimal antibody response, reduced infant and fetal growth, and higher rates of kidney cancer.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were produced from 1929-1979 and utilized by the USA and every industrialized nation. They are now the most widely known contaminant on earth. PCBs do not degrade naturally, existing in virtually every major waterway where they poison wildlife, habitats, communities, and people. The Stockholm Convention requires parties to phase out PCB use in equipment by 2025 and ensure worldwide elimination of PCB by 2028. 83% of global PCB contamination stockpiles remain to be eliminated.
Health Effects:
PCB contamination has been linked to cancer, liver dysfunction, digestive disorders, chloracne, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. PCBs can also affect the respiratory, immune, nervous systems and cause various reproductive disorders, including male sterility, developmental abnormalities, learning disorders, and birth defects.
Dioxins are a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are primarily by-products of burning, industrial processes, and unintentional components of certain manufactured mixtures. Dioxins are categorized as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, and most notably recognized as a key ingredient in Agent Orange, an herbicidal mixture used during the Vietnam War. Dioxins are a concerning environmental and health issue, due to their fat-soluble nature, they can easily enter the body through physical contact or ingestion.
Health Effects:
Once inside the body, Dioxins bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a protein that influences gene expression upon activation, this can trigger genes to behave in ways that lead to serious health effects. In adults, suspected impacts include liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and immunological effects. Dioxins are also linked to endometriosis, altered sexual development, and even cognitive effects such as learning and intelligence. These potential consequences of dioxin exposure highlight the need for rigorous control measures and heightened awareness to mitigate their widespread impact on both human health and the environment.
1,4-Dioxane, a clear liquid commonly used in chemical manufacturing, has historically used as stabilizers for solvents and degreasers. Classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, it’s confirmed in groundwater across the US has raised environmental and health concerns. 1,4 Dioxane is commonly found in items like paints, detergents, shampoos, and cosmetics. Notably, laundry detergents often include 1,4-dioxane due to its role in creating cost-effective, high-foaming formulas. Detectable only with specialized equipment, watch for ingredients like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Laureth-6 & Laureth-7, C12-16 Pareth, and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) to avoid potential exposure.
Health Effects:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies 1,4-dioxane as a probable human carcinogen, indicating that exposure to this substance could potentially lead to cancer. Given its occurrence in numerous everyday products, it’s crucial to recognize the potential risks linked to 1,4-dioxane so you can make well-informed decisions when using items that might contain this chemical.
Pesticides are chemicals employed to manage pests such as insects, weeds, and fungi that can harm crops, humans, and animals. Common pesticides include DDE, DDD, and DDT, the latter notorious as persistent organic pollutants. Originally designed as an insecticide, DDT gained notoriety for its environmental harm. Despite bans in many regions, DDT’s presence persists in worldwide food due to contamination.
Health Effects:
Short-term DDT exposure in humans has limited effects, but extended exposure is linked to chronic health problems. These include increased cancer and diabetes risks, reduced reproductive success, and neurological disorders. The DDT legacy highlights the complex interaction between pesticides, health, and the environment, emphasizing the need for careful regulation and consideration of their use.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are uncharged, non-polar compounds characterized by their flat structure. These colorless compounds commonly result from incomplete combustion processes such as those in engines, incinerators, and forest fires, as well as emerging from coal and oil deposits. Outdoor PAH pollution is notably associated with major roads and highways, dispersing through the air or settling in nearby areas. In developed countries, individuals exposed to tobacco smoke, whether directly or second-hand, experience heightened PAH exposure. Additionally, diet plays a significant role as a primary exposure route for the general public, particularly through the consumption of grilled or smoked meat and plants that have absorbed PAHs during their growth.
Health Effects:
PAHs pose notable health risks, as certain specific compounds within the PAH group have been classified by various agencies as potential or likely human carcinogens. These compounds are associated with a range of cancers, such as skin, lung, bladder, liver, and stomach cancers.
Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are gases emitted from solids or liquids, including various chemicals with potential short- and long-term health risks. They come from multiple sources, such as paints, varnishes, waxes, cleaning products, cosmetics, disinfectants, degreasers, and hobby items containing organic solvents. These products release VOCs during use and sometimes during storage. Studies using the Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) reveal that using products with organic chemicals can expose people to high pollutant levels, persisting in the air after use.
Health Effects:
Exposure to chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, headaches, and dizziness, especially indoors with poor ventilation. Prolonged exposure is linked to severe health effects like liver, kidney, and nervous system damage. Some CVOCs are carcinogens connected to various cancers. Regulating CVOC sources is crucial to minimize health risks and environmental contamination.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment. Although PFOA and PFOS are no longer manufactured in the United States, they are still produced internationally and are imported into the U.S. in consumer goods such as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging, coatings, rubber, and plastics. PFAS are also used by major companies of the cosmetics industry in a wide range of cosmetics, including lipstick, eye liner, mascara, foundation, concealer, lip balm, blush, and nail polish.
Health Effects:
According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, PFAS exposure is linked to increased risk of dyslipidemia (abnormally high cholesterol), suboptimal antibody response, reduced infant and fetal growth, and higher rates of kidney cancer.
Dioxins are a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are primarily by-products of burning, industrial processes, and unintentional components of certain manufactured mixtures. Dioxins are categorized as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, and most notably recognized as a key ingredient in Agent Orange, an herbicidal mixture used during the Vietnam War. Dioxins are a concerning environmental and health issue, due to their fat-soluble nature, they can easily enter the body through physical contact or ingestion.
Health Effects:
Once inside the body, Dioxins bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a protein that influences gene expression upon activation, this can trigger genes to behave in ways that lead to serious health effects. In adults, suspected impacts include liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, and immunological effects. Dioxins are also linked to endometriosis, altered sexual development, and even cognitive effects such as learning and intelligence. These potential consequences of dioxin exposure highlight the need for rigorous control measures and heightened awareness to mitigate their widespread impact on both human health and the environment.
1,4-Dioxane, a clear liquid commonly used in chemical manufacturing, has historically used as stabilizers for solvents and degreasers. Classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, it’s confirmed in groundwater across the US has raised environmental and health concerns. 1,4 Dioxane is commonly found in items like paints, detergents, shampoos, and cosmetics. Notably, laundry detergents often include 1,4-dioxane due to its role in creating cost-effective, high-foaming formulas. Detectable only with specialized equipment, watch for ingredients like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Laureth-6 & Laureth-7, C12-16 Pareth, and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) to avoid potential exposure.
Health Effects:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies 1,4-dioxane as a probable human carcinogen, indicating that exposure to this substance could potentially lead to cancer. Given its occurrence in numerous everyday products, it’s crucial to recognize the potential risks linked to 1,4-dioxane so you can make well-informed decisions when using items that might contain this chemical.
Pesticides are chemicals employed to manage pests such as insects, weeds, and fungi that can harm crops, humans, and animals. Common pesticides include DDE, DDD, and DDT, the latter notorious as persistent organic pollutants. Originally designed as an insecticide, DDT gained notoriety for its environmental harm. Despite bans in many regions, DDT’s presence persists in worldwide food due to contamination.
Health Effects:
Short-term DDT exposure in humans has limited effects, but extended exposure is linked to chronic health problems. These include increased cancer and diabetes risks, reduced reproductive success, and neurological disorders. The DDT legacy highlights the complex interaction between pesticides, health, and the environment, emphasizing the need for careful regulation and consideration of their use.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are uncharged, non-polar compounds characterized by their flat structure. These colorless compounds commonly result from incomplete combustion processes such as those in engines, incinerators, and forest fires, as well as emerging from coal and oil deposits. Outdoor PAH pollution is notably associated with major roads and highways, dispersing through the air or settling in nearby areas. In developed countries, individuals exposed to tobacco smoke, whether directly or second-hand, experience heightened PAH exposure. Additionally, diet plays a significant role as a primary exposure route for the general public, particularly through the consumption of grilled or smoked meat and plants that have absorbed PAHs during their growth.
Health Effects:
PAHs pose notable health risks, as certain specific compounds within the PAH group have been classified by various agencies as potential or likely human carcinogens. These compounds are associated with a range of cancers, such as skin, lung, bladder, liver, and stomach cancers.
Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) are gases emitted from solids or liquids, including various chemicals with potential short- and long-term health risks. They come from multiple sources, such as paints, varnishes, waxes, cleaning products, cosmetics, disinfectants, degreasers, and hobby items containing organic solvents. These products release VOCs during use and sometimes during storage. Studies using the Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) reveal that using products with organic chemicals can expose people to high pollutant levels, persisting in the air after use.
Health Effects:
Exposure to chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, headaches, and dizziness, especially indoors with poor ventilation. Prolonged exposure is linked to severe health effects like liver, kidney, and nervous system damage. Some CVOCs are carcinogens connected to various cancers. Regulating CVOC sources is crucial to minimize health risks and environmental contamination.
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