On April 26th, OutThere Colorado, an online publication featuring news regarding some of the most scenic and interesting things happening in the 38th state, published an article indicating that PFAS—or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—had been found at elevated levels in none other than Frisco, where some of my family resides for much of the year. The information OutThere cited was reported by CBS4, a local news station, which looked at State Health Department testing results from the summer of 2020 that indicated PFAS was detected at a concentration of 58.5 ppt, or parts per trillion, in the town’s water supply. This concentration is under the EPA’s 70 ppt guidance value, but over thresholds set by several states including Massachusetts (20 ppt), Vermont (20 ppt) and New York (10 ppt). The Town of Frisco did not notify residents as the levels were below Federal thresholds, and there is no state regulatory guidance regarding these chemicals. Not yet, anyway.

It was interesting timing, given that we were discussing PFAS over the weekend, as I reflected on a work meeting I had on Friday with some colleagues in the waste disposal business. We had been discussing the treatment and disposal of PFAS, and the challenges associated with current technologies. My family wasn’t familiar with PFAS—I explained that they are chemicals manufactured to have amazing properties—heat-resistant, stain-repelling, tough and persistent—they also have some troubling health effects, including negative developmental, reproductive and immunity impacts.

Colorado’s Department of Public Health is currently looking at PFAS and has taken a number of steps to start to understand where PFAS impacts may be elevated within the state. Surveys have been conducted and findings compiled, and it is likely that more progress will be made regarding PFAS in the coming year. The Federal government is also making strides to regulate PFAS, much of this is covered on several of our earlier blogs; expect an update from us on our upcoming webinar in June (stay tuned for details). In addition, on April 27th, EPA’s Administrator Regan called for the creation of an “EPA Council on PFAS” which will look to develop a multi-year strategy to address PFAS concerns and establish new strategies and priorities. The EPA will look to work with local communities, State and Tribal agencies to develop collaborative approaches to PFAS.

As reports of PFAS in our towns and cities water supplies continue to rise, what do we tell our friends and families they can do to protect themselves? For one, activated carbon filters are a great first line of defense in removing many unwanted chemicals and flavors from our water. If you aren’t using an inline filter in your refrigerator or if yours has been blinking “replace” for a number of months, it’s probably a great time to order a new one. Other carbon-activated filters such as Brita or Zero water can also be used.

You can also write to your policymakers—your state and local representatives, about your concerns. Much information can be found on the EPA’s website or on your State’s Health Department or Environmental Regulatory Body’s website. Take time to read, educate yourself, and know that we are finding new ways to treat and remediate chemicals such as PFAS all the time.

Finally, take a deep breath. It is frightening to think that unseen chemicals could be impacting our health. But know that there are scientists and engineers, like those of us at Apex, along with policymakers in both our Federal and state agencies, doing all we can to solve these challenges. Because it’s not just our jobs. It’s our lives, and our families at stake.

According to the recent March report released by the National Centers for Environmental Information, about 44% of the Continental United States was considered to be in drought conditions on March 30, 2021. The worst areas include Texas, California and portions of the Northeast. In addition, March snow cover was approximately 237,000 square miles lower than the 1981 to 2010 average and ranked as the smallest coverage in the previous 55 years.

All indications suggest that this year’s Wildfire Season will be intense.

In 2020, over 52,113 wildfires burned almost 9 million acres of forest, residential and improved land.

Washington State is considering implementing the same requirements as California. These requirements require that employers with workers who may be at risk of exposure implement controls and perform monitoring to ensure that the workplace is safe and that adequate protection measures have been put into place. The types of workplaces most affected are those in agriculture, construction, public works and others requiring outdoor work such as delivery drivers, distribution companies, and workers in loading dock areas.

On July 29th, 2019 California’s OSHA passed an emergency regulation to help prevent worker exposures to harmful levels of wildfire smoke.

How does the emergency regulation affect me?

This rule, documented in the California Code of Regulations, title 8, section 5141.1 applies to most workplaces when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is 151 or more and where an employer may reasonably anticipate harmful exposures to wildfire smoke. This regulation requires employers to take steps to reduce worker exposures, provide training and monitoring. Other states, such as Washington, may soon institute a similar regulation. Beyond regulatory drivers, smoke is a recognized hazard and employers have a duty to protect their workers. Apex is ready to assist and provide solutions to these challenging issues.

What exactly is the AQI?

The AQI is a nationally uniform color-coded index developed by EPA for reporting and forecasting daily air quality. The AQI reports the most common ambient air pollutants that are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including very small particles that cause respiratory problems, called particulate matter (PM2.5). The AQI informs the public about air quality in the area, tells who may be affected, and provides steps to take to reduce exposure when pollution levels are unhealthy (EPA, 2021).

What are my duties as an employer?

Protection from Wildfire Smoke, in California, applies to workplaces where the employer anticipates that employees will be exposed to wildfire smoke, or when the AQI for PM2.5 particulate is 151 or greater (“unhealthy”). Initially, employers must:

• Check the current AQI before each work shift and periodically, or;
• Measure current PM2.5 levels with a direct reading instrument;
• Communicate the AQI results to employees; and
• Provide Training on wildfire smoke health effects.

What actions are needed to comply when AQI >151?

• Implement engineering or administrative controls to reduce employee exposure to PM2.5;
• Alert employees when air quality is harmful, and what protective measures are available;
• Provide NIOSH-approved respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators for voluntary use;
• If the PM2.5 AQI is >500, the use of NIOSH approved respirators is required;
• The use of surgical masks, bandanas, neck gaiters, scarfs, etc. is not allowed for respiratory protection; and
• Provide training on proper use of respirators.

What solutions can Apex provide?

• Deploy Direct Reading instruments to monitor PM2.5 and other Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) parameters, provide real time AQI rating 24/7;
• Remotely monitor the AQI at your facility via WiFi connected Direct Reading Instruments—view data from your laptop 24/7;
• Manage IAQ data for your facility to comply with the requirement to communicate to employees and customers alike, and make informed decisions;
• Provide immediate Alerts when air quality approaches or exceeds AQI thresholds;
• Provide training on the Regulations and health effects (issue Certificates of Training) to meet employer requirements under California Section 5141.1, and also to meet the OSHA Hazard Communication obligations;
• Develop or review Employer procedures/plans for compliance and risk management;
• Evaluate HVAC systems, filters, maintenance and controls as it relates to the wildfire smoke reduction; and
• Deployment of portable HEPA air filtration devices (AFDs) to reduce PM2.5 and other IAQ particulate hazards when AQI exceeds thresholds.