Testing for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is increasing nationwide as multiple states launch investigations into PFAS contaminated areas. But while a handful of these “forever chemicals” are tested and starting to be regulated, the vast majority are not. Much of the difficulty lies in the testing itself;
PFAS: It’s Not Just In The Water
In response to widespread contamination, the EPA and FDA have released testing methods that identify 29 PFAS compounds in water and 16 PFAS compounds in food. The EPA also released a 2020 update of its PFAS Action Plan that details the guidelines for testing PFAS in drinking water, recommendations for cleaning up contaminated groundwater, and the allocation of around 14.9 million dollars towards researching PFAS in agriculture, waste, and the environment.
Life in Plastic: Determining Microplastics in Drinking Water
One microcosm of this public health concern has been the presence of microplastics in the environment, and the potential for these tiny particles to make their way into our food and water. Microplastics fall into two main categories—those that are manufactured as additives or for use in manufacturing and those that come from the degradation or breakdown of larger plastic particles.
The Path Out of Coronavirus Lockdown? Follow the Wastewater
As the United State passes the one million mark for documented cases of Covid-19, one of the most frustrating aspects of the current pandemic is that identification and extent of community outbreaks is tied to the number of test kits available. Due to inadequate test kit supplies, available testing has been limited to individuals already experiencing symptoms. This, in turn, has limited the number of identified cases to the number of kits. It is now suspected that in the California Bay Area, the virus may have been circulating in the population more than a month before health officials began looking for it (LA Times, April 11, 2020).
Finding a quick way to locate and identify disease outbreaks before they manifest in the community has researchers at several universities focusing their attention on a surprising yet familiar matrix—wastewater. Interest in the new field of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has gained traction and offers a promising way to identify coronavirus using wastewater. “WBE holds the promise of near real-time monitoring of disease outbreaks,” according to an April 23, 2020 news release from Arizona State University.
Guidelines on Potential COVID-19 Contaminated Sample Submission & Requirements for Face Masks
To protect the health of safety of both our staff and clients Babcock Laboratories is taking additional precautions regarding the receipt of sample(s) that may have been in contact with COVID-19. Effective immediately, we request our clients provide prior notice before delivering any sample(s) that have or are suspected to have been in contact with COVID-19. We require a minimum of two hours advance notice in order to provide ample time to prepare staff and the facility for receipt of the sample(s).