What are PFAS chemicals?
PFAS is a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. To date, there are over 5000 variations of this anthropogenic PFAS on the global market with the bulk of them considered as pollutants.
They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their unstable and non-degenerative nature, and often end up polluting the environment far beyond their original location, passing through the ground and into the water.
What are PFAS used for?
PFAS is used in textiles, food packaging, griddle coating in frying pans / pots, ski wax, sealants, insulation, antifoaming agents and many more products. Historically, one of the largest areas of application has been fire-fighting foams (AFFF foams). Because of this, fire-training fields, often at airports, are amongst the locations with the highest concentration of PFAS.
Some PFAS-substances are banned in different countries, and a possible ban of the group of substances as a whole may be introduced. If you have land contaminated by PFAS, we have solutions for your problem.
Why is PFAS harmful?
PFAS-substances have proven to be harmful to health, but to a varying degree depending on the type of PFAS. Because of the non-degradable nature of these substances, and their presence in the soil and water, they contaminate the food we eat and the water we drink. Over time, the level of PFAS-substances within the body will accumulate, and high levels of these substances have been linked to health problems such as decreased effect of vaccines, reduced immune systems, fertility problems and cancer.
The main political and environmental focus is on PFOS and PFOA, which are historically two of the most widespread variants. However, there is increasing attention to other variants and to the sum of larger groups of PFAS substances.
Improper disposal of PFAS contaminated soil will further increase the levels of PFAS we and our environment are exposed to. It is a serious problem, and requires professional and proven solutions. We have extensive knowledge and experience with handling these kinds of contaminated masses, and are at your service.
Why should PFAS be removed from the circular system?
In a circular society, as much of our resources as possible should be recirculated at the highest possible level. However, it is of utmost importance, if such circularity is to be sustainable, that hazardous compounds are removed from the cycle.
Landfills are often the most economical way of removing hazardous compounds from the circle, shielding our ecosystems. Landfills are therefore an important tool to ensure a sustainable circularity.
PFAS is a typical example where landfills can play an important role in removing PFAS contaminated soil from the ecosystems, in an economical and safe way. There are other alternatives for removing PFAS from soil as well, but depending on the situation, a landfill designed for PFAS will often be the best option.
Our PFAS-services
Analysis and assessment
Do you have land contaminated by PFAS, or do you suspect PFAS-contamination?
We can assist with services related to testing for PFAS in the soil, and analysis- and assessment services to better understand the ideal solution for your problem.
Removal and treatment of PFAS contaminated soil
Our deposit is certified for receiving PFAS-masses. The deposit is installed with innovative solutions for waste water processing, enhancing the removal of PFAS-residue in the water, and safely blocking the PFAS-masses from leaking out into the environment.