A recent study led by Dr. David Megson from Manchester Metropolitan University has uncovered alarming findings regarding the treatment of liquid waste at landfills. Instead of effectively removing harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), facilities may inadvertently elevate levels of toxic chemicals like PFOA and PFOS by as much as 1,335%.
PFAS, a group of approximately 15,000 man-made chemicals known for their non-stick properties, are prevalent in consumer products and industrial processes. Their persistence in the environment raises significant health concerns, with PFOA and PFOS linked to various cancers and diseases.
The study analyzed leachate from 17 operational and historical landfills, revealing a critical gap in understanding the full scope of PFAS contamination. Megson expressed concerns about the limited monitoring of these substances, stating, "Our treatment facilities are inadvertently creating these banned chemicals, likely from the transformation of other PFAS into a chemical soup."
With PFAS contamination detected worldwide, including in remote areas, experts are calling for urgent action. Pippa Neill from Ends Report emphasized the need for comprehensive research to ensure proper elimination of PFAS, stating, "Hundreds of landfill operators can legally discharge treated leachate into the environment, indicating an urgent need for more rigorous studies."
Dr. Sara Brosché, an advisor at the International Pollutants Elimination Network, advocated for a global ban on all PFAS, highlighting that producers have long known about the toxicity of these substances yet continue to pollute the environment. In response to the growing crisis, the European Commission is considering a groundbreaking regulatory proposal to classify thousands of PFAS as a single group, a move met with resistance from the PFAS industry.
Dr. Shubhi Sharma from Chem Trust warned that emissions from landfills could contaminate surrounding groundwater and surface waters, posing serious health risks, including kidney and testicular cancers. Immediate regulatory action is crucial, as emphasized by Dr. Daniel Drage from the University of Birmingham, who noted the need for alternative treatment processes to eliminate PFAS before leachate is released into the environment.
The Environment Agency has confirmed its ongoing collaboration with the landfill industry to investigate PFAS levels and treatment processes. Professor Kate Spencer from Queen Mary University of London cautioned that climate disasters could exacerbate pollution from landfills, particularly for unlined historical sites, potentially increasing health risks as flooding events become more frequent and severe.