Environmental Group Estimates Twelvefold Increase in Suspected Industrial Dischargers of PFAS

The Environmental Working Group recently released new analysis that dramatically increases an earlier estimate of the number of manufacturers and users of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that may be releasing them into the environment, including drinking water sources. EWG’s new estimate, based on a review of newly available government data released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, found 29,900 industrial sites that are known or suspected of using toxic PFAS, including: More than 4,700 using PFAS for electroplating and polishing More than 3,000 petroleum stations and terminals More than 2,300 chemical manufacturers More than 2,200 metal product manufacturers More than 2,100 commercial printing facilities More than 1,800 plastics