Fluorinated hydrocarbon surfactants with exceptional heat, water and oil resistance have resulted in widespread use of PFAS by industry for the past 60 years.

Some of the most commonly known PFAS-containing substances are Teflon (PTFE) and firefighting foams (AFFF).  These compounds are stable and persistent and have been detected in the environment including in animal tissue from polar bears in the Artic.

EPA and many states have developed drinking water guidelines and regulations. Massachusetts has released drinking water guidelines and will be releasing draft regulations, expected in November, to address PFAS in the environment and its regulations on Manufacturing Companies.

This Round Table discussion will present a brief history of PFAS, Massachusetts’ guidelines  and potential impacts from the forthcoming regulations. The implications of regulations in other states on manufacturers will be reviewed.