PFAS in Stormwater & Building Materials: Understanding the Pathways and Risks

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) have become a significant concern in the construction and environmental sectors but despite efforts to remove PFAS from many products, on-going contamination sources are often overlooked. PFAS are highly resistant to breakdown, leading to persistent contamination risks. Here’s how PFAS can travel from historical industrial processes to the environment, impacting water quality and on-going regulatory compliance:

1. Sources in Industrial Processes: PFAS are often used in manufacturing processes for their water- and stain-resistant properties. They can be found in products like paints, coatings, sealants, and other building materials. During production, waste containing PFAS can be released into air, water, or soil as well as building components such as roofs, siding, and stormwater conveyances.

2. Incorporation into Building Materials: PFAS can be present in materials like waterproof membranes, paints, adhesives, and treated fabrics used in construction. These materials, when used in buildings or infrastructure, have the potential to leach PFAS over time as they degrade or are exposed to rain and other environmental factors.

3. Leaching into Stormwater: Rainwater or surface water can wash PFAS off buildings and construction sites, allowing the chemicals to mix with stormwater runoff. This runoff can carry PFAS into nearby soils, rivers, lakes, and groundwater, leading to contamination.

4. Pathways to the Environment: Once in the stormwater, PFAS can seep into the ground, potentially reaching groundwater sources that supply drinking water. Surface water bodies like rivers and lakes can also transport these contaminants, impacting ecosystems and downstream water supplies.

5. Regulatory and Environmental Implications: With increasing attention from regulatory bodies, managing PFAS is critical for staying compliant and avoiding environmental liability. Identifying potential sources of PFAS, implementing control measures, and monitoring water quality are key steps for any project involving PFAS-containing materials.

Managing PFAS contamination requires a proactive, informed approach. The persistent nature of PFAS and their ability to travel through industrial processes, building materials, and stormwater make them a notable risk to both the environment and regulatory compliance. By identifying potential PFAS sources and implementing effective control measures, companies can mitigate contamination pathways, protect water quality, and avoid regulatory pitfalls. Partnering with Aeterra’s experts to navigate these complexities is essential to ensure long-term sustainability and compliance in today’s evolving environmental landscape.