Recent News

One of the most fascinating aspects of working at the intersection of environmental contamination and public health is how frequently the emerging research catches you off guard. Some of it is truly astonishing.

Emerging contaminants is a field that rewards obsession. It is dynamic by nature, and if you don't consistently have your finger on the pulse, you will miss something.

I distinctly remember the first time I was introduced to the power of modern generative AI. I had asked one of my employees to help me draft a press release we were planning, and while I normally would have written it myself, time got away from me that day.

You may have heard the adage before – the environmental sector is driven by both regulation and litigation. The longer I work in this field, the more self-evident that truth becomes.

It could be argued that the human race has been one of the most behaviorally robust species to have ever existed, uniquely capable of adapting to many different environments through a combination of biological evolution, technological innovation, and cultural modification.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently reallocated a total of $4.1 billion to help fund and accelerate lead service line replacement (LSLR) and reduce lead exposure in drinking water. This announcement represents a strategic shift and unprecedented opportunity: from planning grants to implementation with accountability.

When we discuss PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), the focus is typically on the short-chain and long-chain varieties. These groups include many of the Perfluoroalkyl Carboxylic Acids (PFCA) and Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonic Acids (PFSA), which are routinely analyzed using published methods like EPA 1633A.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. They were designed to be durable, and they do not readily break down in the environment. Due to these characteristics, guidance is needed to appropriately dispose of PFAS containing materials. Both the US EPA and the DOD have provided financial and technical resources to solve the problem of PFAS disposal.

At Eurofins Environment Testing, we are committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving data needs of our clients. Most recently, Sarah Choyke, Ph.D., collaborated with ThermoFisher Scientific to publish an Application Note showcasing a non-target workflow for PFAS using a High-Resolution Accurate Mass Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer.

In a major policy announcement, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled a comprehensive plan to address contamination from Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The announcement includes science, regulatory, and enforcement measures aimed at reducing PFAS pollution with an aim to ensure clean air, land, and water across the country.