Demystifying PFAS complexities of human and ecological risk assessment

Environmental risk assessment is essential for businesses to identify and show where it is necessary to mitigate potential hazards. This process involves evaluating the potential for adverse effects on human health or ecological receptors based on environmental concentrations. By systematically analyzing exposure and toxicity, businesses can make informed decisions to manage risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect public health and the environment.

The regulation and management of PFAS presents a significant challenge due to the varying priorities and approaches across different regulatory agencies and regions. Consequently, understanding the diverse frameworks and strategies adopted by different regulators is crucial for effective PFAS management. There are two primary components in environmental risk assessment: toxicity and exposure.

The science around PFAS toxicity is in flux, with ongoing debates over the most appropriate toxicity values. The variability in toxicity values stems from differing perspectives on appropriate and relevant health effects associated with PFAS exposure. For instance, health effects like elevated cholesterol levels are challenging to attribute solely to PFAS due to other contributing factors such as personal choices (e.g., exercise or diet), uncontrollable elements (e.g., genetics), or other chemical exposure.

On the exposure front, the diversity in size and structure of PFAS chemicals, including their varying properties, complicate the assessment of exposures. PFAS can be found in numerous environmental media, including groundwater and soil, as well as agricultural and consumer products. With such diversity in PFAS chemical properties and interactions with differing landscapes, combined with its prevalence, results in the evolving application of risk assessment to quantify potential exposures.

Regulatory agencies in North America and around the world face common challenges with frequent testing and updates to policies and procedures.

In Canada: Recent federal initiatives have introduced new risk management approaches and guidelines for PFAS. However, the regulatory environment remains dynamic, with provinces adopting different methodologies and toxicity values.

In the United States: State-level initiatives are driving some PFAS regulation with states like Maine and New Hampshire prioritizing specific issues such as agricultural contamination and groundwater sampling.

This variability emphasizes the importance of staying informed about federal, provincial, and state regulations.

Conduct sensitivity analyses to understand the range of possible outcomes. Navigating the evolving changes in PFAS risk assessment requires transparency and sensitivity analysis to quantify some of the uncertainties surrounding toxicity values. Stakeholders should conduct sensitivity analyses to better understand the range of possible outcomes and make informed decisions.

Maintain clear communication with regulators to identify unknown exposure pathways. Clear communication between regulators and the regulated community is also essential to navigate the shifting scientific landscape and expectations. Open dialogue is particularly valuable in identifying unknown exposure pathways and evaluating risks based on site history, such as prior use of biosolids or soil amendments, which may contribute to PFAS contamination.

Consult risk assessment specialists to ensure compliance and reduce liability. Ensuring compliance with current laws while anticipating future regulations is critical, and consulting risk assessors can help mitigate potential liabilities and ensure adherence to regulatory standards. 

The complexities of PFAS risk assessment require a multifaceted approach that integrates evolving scientific knowledge, regulatory frameworks, and practical risk management strategies. By fostering transparency, conducting thorough sensitivity analyses, and maintaining open communication, stakeholders can better navigate the PFAS landscape and make more informed decisions to protect human health and the environment. As science and regulations continue to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to effectively managing PFAS risks.

For more insights and updates on PFAS management, stay tuned to GHD's Navigating PFAS webinar series.