BSK Associates & PFAS Testing
BSK Associates & PFAS Testing
What Are PFAS?
BSK Associates & PFAS Testing.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that include Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), GenX, and several additional chemicals. In fact, PFAS are made up of more than 3,000 man-made chemicals that are largely unregulated.
The U.S. began manufacturing these chemicals during the 1940’s. In 2006, the EPA launched the PFOA Stewardship Program which eliminated the use of several PFAS chemicals. Unfortunately, the U.S. still receives these PFAS compounds from imported goods from around the world.
PFAS are a concern because they do not break down and therefore bio accumulate over time. Furthermore, food, household products, animals, drinking water, and humans have all tested positive for PFAS. In fact, research has indicated that most people have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood. Additionally, it is believed that everyone, even those who have not consumed drinking water that has been contaminated, will have some exposure to PFAS during their lifetime.
PFAS exposure can lead to many adverse health effects in humans including (but not limited to) thyroid hormone disruption, liver and kidney toxicity, reproductive system and developmental damage, low infant birth weights, harmful effects on the immune system, and several different forms of cancer.
What can be done?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have issued exposure limits for PFAS in our drinking water. February 6, 2020, the California State Water Resources Control Board announced that it will set new response levels (RLs) of 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 40 ppt for PFOS. Previously, the RL was 70 ppt for the total combined concentration of PFOA and PFOS. California has established Notification Levels of 6.5 ppt for PFOS and 5.1 ppt for PFOA in drinking water.
The California State Water Board has already started PFAS testing on 30 airports, and nearly 200 landfills. Recently they requested testing at chrome plating facilities. In addition, the California State Water Board stated they will be requiring other potential PFAS sources to begin testing soon. Although these compounds are not currently fully regulated, it is believed they will be soon. In a release issued by the State Water Board they encouraged public water systems to test for possible contamination.
Why BSK Associates?
Experience, Knowledge, Volume, and Quality.
BSK Associates & PFAS Testing.
BSK has abundant sample capacity and can add to that capacity quickly.
We were one of the first labs to receive accreditation for testing in California. Furthermore, we have performed PFAS analyses for over 6 years. Subsequently, our laboratory completed thousands of PFAS analyses throughout the U.S. while participating in the EPA’s UCMR3 monitoring program. Therefore, BSK is well versed in reporting and regulatory quality requirements needed for these analytes.
BSK is accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) and the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (CA ELAP) for all 18 PFAS compounds in drinking water by EPA’s 537.1 methodology.
Unlike other labs, we do PFAS sampling according to California State PFAS sampling guidelines. Collection of representative samples for PFAS analysis requires stringent Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QX) measures to prevent sample cross-contamination due to the prevalence of these compounds in the environment. and the opportunity for contamination. BSK Associates can be your one stop shop, rather than having to hire another company for state testing needs.
It is important to be proactive, not only to protect your water system, but to protect the community in which you live. If you think you may have PFAS in your water system begin testing now.
Additionally, BSK can help you budget for additional samples. Please call or email one of the representatives below for more information:
Stephane Maupas (Fresno) – 559-497-2888 x212 smaupas@bskassociates.com
Cole Mackelprang (Southern California) – 650-302-2223 or cmackelprang@bskassociates.com
Tina Green (Bakersfield) – 559-262-7036 or tgreen@bskassociates.com
Elizabeth Bunger (Vancouver, WA) – 360-750-0055 x 403 ebunger@bskassociates.com
Brenda Hamilton (Sacramento) – 916-853-9293 x306 bhamilton@bskassociates.com
Engineering Services are also available!
Our clients depend on BSK to help them navigate the maze of permitting and regulatory compliance requirements in a cost-effective manner that reduces risk. BSK’s highly qualified professional staff can assist with negotiating regulatory compliance. For more information on how BSK can assist with environmental matters related to PFAS, please contact:
Lynne Baumgras, Ph.D., PG, CHG, CEG, PMP
559-497-2880x 516
For more information on PFAS check out the links below:
PFAS Phase Investigation Approach Plan from CA Waterboards
General PFAS Information from BSK
PFAS Information from CA Waterboards
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