Tag: PFAS

New research warns PFAS could become multi-billion-dollar threat to financial markets

Stuart Mitchell

A group of toxic chemicals known as PFAS have moved from being a niche environmental concern to a multi-billion-dollar liability risk for investors, according to new research from financial think-tank Planet Tracker. PFAS is now one of the most significant environmental litigation issues in history, with 15,000 active US lawsuits and a $10bn settlement by 3M in 2023. This growing wave of PFAS-related settlements could translate into material impacts on the cash flow, balance sheets and credit profiles of exposed companies. To help investors manage these risks, Planet Tracker has…

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Honey bees can be used to monitor PFAS levels in the environment, new study shows

Stuart Mitchell

Honey bees can be used to monitor levels of PFAS in the environment, a new study from The James Hutton Institute and the University of Graz has shown. PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals”, are a group of more than 12,000 man-made chemicals which are used in everyday items such as frying pans and waterproof jackets. First popularised in the 1940s, these chemicals have since been linked to serious health concerns including cancer, fertility issues and liver damage. Due to their widespread use, background levels of PFAS are detectable…

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U.S. Water Utilities Deploy PFAS Treatment Technologies to Safeguard Drinking Water for Communities

Stuart Mitchell

As U.S. and European lawmakers tighten restrictions on toxic PFAS contaminants in water, utilities and businesses are working to safeguard drinking water supplies for communities. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are widely used, long lasting chemicals whose components break down slowly over time. PFAS chemicals are human-made but have become widespread in some water sources across the country and can have potentially harmful effects on human and animal health. Latest estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) monitoring program show that one in four public drinking water…

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