Our PFAS Risk Mitigation Framework

Image: Lightbulb with Battelle PFAS risk mitigation framework graphic

PFAS chemicals are everywhere—in non-stick cookware, waterproof jackets, firefighting foam, food packaging and other industrial and consumer products. These “forever chemicals” are valued for their durability and water-repellent qualities, yet their persistence in the environment and potential risks to human health have made them a growing concern.

As companies face mounting pressure from both regulators and the public to address PFAS risks, Battelle has developed a comprehensive PFAS risk mitigation framework. Our approach helps businesses understand and manage PFAS risk.

Understanding PFAS Risk

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are highly resilient chemicals used in a wide range of products. However, this resilience—while useful in manufacturing—means PFAS can persist in the environment and accumulate in biological tissues. High levels of some PFAS in drinking water and other exposures to these toxic substances have raised serious concerns, with studies linking PFAS exposure to human health effects including cancer, immune system effects, reproductive issues and other health problems.

Image: Battelle Understanding, Managing and Mitigating PFAS Risk white paper

For companies, the risks associated with PFAS are wide-ranging and multifaceted. Businesses face regulatory pressures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and international bodies, legal liabilities from contaminated sites and consumer exposures, and reputational challenges as consumers become more aware of the risks associated with PFAS.

Business risks related to PFAS include:

  • Regulatory risk involving complying with complex and evolving national and international PFAS regulations to avoid fines and penalties.
  • Stakeholder risk related to consumer and investor demand for PFAS-free products and transparency to protect brand reputation.
  • Legal risk such as managing liabilities and potential lawsuits from environmental contamination and health claims related to PFAS exposure.
  • Financial risk, including costs associated with PFAS-related cleanup, litigation, product reformulation and potential loss of market share.
  • Supply chain risk involving supply chain transparency and managing disruptions due to PFAS bans or restrictions on materials.

In many cases, companies may not even be fully aware of the types and amounts of PFAS in their products, packaging and waste streams. Opaque supply chains make it difficult to determine where and what types of PFAS enter product formulations. PFAS can also sneak into products in other ways, such as through contaminated process water. Finally, many companies face latent liabilities related to sites that may have been contaminated with PFAS from prior occupants and activities. All of this makes it extremely challenging to understand, quantify and address PFAS risk.

About PFAS Risk Mitigation

Mitigating PFAS risk is essential for any company impacted by PFAS in their products, packaging, raw materials and supply chains. PFAS risk mitigation doesn’t just address regulatory compliance; it’s also about protecting human health, safeguarding the environment, sustaining business reputations, and ensuring business continuity in the face of material obsolescence and shifting market demand. With regulators enforcing stringent limits—like the EPA’s recent PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which includes strict maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS—companies that rely on PFAS are navigating a complex web of rules and regulations.

Effective risk mitigation helps companies avoid penalties, address environmental concerns, and ensure that products meet consumer demand for safety.

Image: Graphic illustrating Battelle's full lifecycle PFAS risk mitigation framework

Our multi-faceted approach to PFAS risk mitigation, spanning functional, technical and business risk 

Our PFAS Risk Mitigation Framework

Battelle’s PFAS risk mitigation framework is designed to help companies reduce exposure to PFAS and manage the risks across all stages of the product lifecycle, from raw materials to waste.

Here’s an overview of our multi-stage framework:

1. Desktop Review

Battelle’s process begins with a desktop review, analyzing product formulations, supply chain inputs and regulatory requirements. This review helps identify where PFAS might be present, from raw materials to finished products, packaging and waste streams. It also examines existing regulations and emerging standards, providing a comprehensive snapshot of current PFAS risks.

2. Analytical Evaluation

To determine the level of PFAS in products and environments, Battelle offers cutting-edge analytical testing. Using methods such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, Battelle can accurately quantify PFAS chemicals (even in trace amounts) in a range of matrices, including water, soil, air and manufactured materials. This data is essential for companies to understand their PFAS footprint and develop targeted mitigation strategies.

3. Risk Assessment and Ranking

Battelle’s risk assessment and ranking process enables companies to prioritize PFAS risks by evaluating their likelihood and impact. This involves calculating a composite risk score, which combines the probability of PFAS exposure with potential legal, financial, regulatory, or health and environmental consequences. By ranking risks, companies can focus on the highest priorities and allocate resources effectively.

4. Material Alternative Assessment

Finding alternatives to PFAS can be challenging, given their unique properties. Battelle’s framework includes an assessment of viable substitutes, exploring non-PFAS chemicals (or safer, less regulated PFAS options) or alternative technologies that deliver similar benefits but with reduced health and environmental risks. This assessment helps companies transition away from PFAS while maintaining product performance and quality.

Image: Graphic illustrating Battelle's process for evaluating sustainable alternatives for PFAS

We consider these factors when evaluating alternatives or replacements for PFAS

5. Environmental Remediation

In cases where PFAS contamination has already occurred, environmental remediation is essential. Battelle’s PFAS Annihilator® technology, which uses supercritical water oxidation, is one of the only proven methods for breaking down PFAS completely. This innovative approach allows companies to remediate contaminated sites effectively, reducing the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS pollution. We also offer passive sampling methods for water and air to detect and measure PFAS in the environment, along with forensic services to determine the likely sources of PFAS contamination.

Image: Battelle's full lifecycle PFAS solutions

Get Started with PFAS Risk Mitigation and Management

With legal and regulatory pressures rising every day, taking action on PFAS is essential for companies in all industries. Battelle’s PFAS risk mitigation framework provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach that enables businesses to assess, manage and ultimately reduce their PFAS exposure. By working with Battelle, companies can stay ahead of regulatory changes, meet consumer expectations for safety, and protect their reputations in an increasingly PFAS-conscious world.

Ready to Address PFAS Risks?

Battelle’s PFAS experts are here to help you navigate every stage of PFAS risk mitigation. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist your organization in tackling PFAS challenges with a robust, science-driven approach. For the full picture on PFAS risk, be sure to download the white paper, straight from our experts.

Featured Expert

Image: Battelle PFAS expert Shalene Thomas


Shalene Thomas, R.E.P

Sr. Emerging Contaminants Program Manager

 

Shalene provides thought leadership, drives R&D and service offerings for Battelle’s growing PFAS and other potential emerging contaminant programs. She has more than 25 years of experience in environmental consulting that includes 15 years of experience providing PFAS strategic management services to government and commercial clients.

PFAS Consulting and Strategic Management

We help a wide variety of organizations address PFAS challenges with top industry experts, robust program management capabilities, and our full-lifecycle PFAS risk mitigation framework.

Conquer PFAS with Confidence
Posted
January 24, 2025
Author
Shalene Thomas, R.E.P
Estimated Read Time
6 Mins
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