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Study Finds U.S. Landfills as Significant Contributors to Airborne PFAS Pollution – EcoWatch

“High Levels of Airborne PFAS Found in Florida Landfill Emissions: Study Reveals Alarming Results”

Landfill emissions from three sites in Florida have been found to contain high levels of airborne per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a recent study. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds used in a variety of products such as clothing, cookware, and firefighting foam. These chemicals are known to persist in the environment without breaking down, leading to potential health risks for humans and animals.

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Florida, assessed three municipal solid waste landfills in Florida for gas and liquid containing PFAS. The researchers used cartridges filled with resin to capture airborne PFAS from landfill gas, and analyzed the compounds to determine the levels of PFAS present. They also collected leachate samples from the sites to estimate the amount of PFAS leaving the landfills through gas emissions compared to leachates.

Lead author of the study, Ashley Lin, expressed alarm at the findings, highlighting the need for further research and mitigation strategies to address the issue of airborne PFAS pollution from landfills. While gas collection systems at landfills can capture some emissions, PFAS are difficult to destroy and are not effectively eliminated by flares. Incinerators and flares can break down PFAS into smaller forms, releasing them into the air.

The researchers emphasized the importance of considering vented gas from landfills in future mitigation and management strategies to reduce potential exposure to airborne contaminants. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of current treatment technologies in removing airborne PFAS pollution from landfills.

The study, titled “Landfill Gas: A Major Pathway for Neutral Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Release,” was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters. The findings underscore the urgent need for action to address the issue of PFAS pollution from landfills and protect public health and the environment.

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