PFAS Regulations in 2025: What EHS Professionals Need to Know

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a critical focus for environmental, health, and safety (EHS) professionals worldwide. Often referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds used extensively in manufacturing, from nonstick cookware and waterproof textiles to firefighting foam. Their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in living organisms pose significant risks to both human health and ecosystems.

The year 2025 marks a pivotal shift in the regulatory landscape for PFAS, as governments worldwide, led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), implement stricter controls on their production, use, and disposal. For EHS professionals, these changes signify not just compliance challenges but also opportunities to lead sustainability efforts within their organizations.

This article delves into the critical updates to PFAS regulations for 2025, offering insights and actionable strategies to help EHS managers prepare for and adapt to these landmark changes.

What Are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a vast class of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals characterized by their unique carbon-fluorine bonds. This chemical structure gives PFAS their remarkable stability, making them resistant to heat, water, and oil. These properties have made PFAS indispensable in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, textiles, and food packaging.

However, the very durability that makes PFAS valuable also makes them harmful. Dubbed “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not naturally break down, leading to their accumulation in soil, water, and the human body. Scientific studies have linked prolonged PFAS exposure to severe health risks, including cancer, thyroid disorders, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

PFAS contamination has become a global environmental crisis. These chemicals are frequently detected in drinking water supplies and agricultural lands, causing widespread concern. Regulatory bodies are intensifying efforts to address these issues, recognizing the urgent need to limit PFAS exposure and mitigate their impacts. For EHS professionals, understanding the science and prevalence of PFAS is critical to navigating the evolving regulatory environment and safeguarding their organizations against potential liabilities.

Key Changes in 2025 Regulations

The regulatory framework for PFAS is set to tighten significantly in 2025, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spearheading efforts to address these persistent chemicals. Several new measures aim to curb PFAS production, minimize exposure, and enhance environmental and human health protections.

A major milestone is the EPA’s anticipated finalization of enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This regulation targets specific compounds like PFOA and PFOS, setting limits as low as 4 parts per trillion (ppt)—a groundbreaking move given the chemicals' widespread detection in water systems. Additionally, new rules will require industries to monitor and report PFAS releases into air, soil, and waterways, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is also undergoing revisions. Manufacturers must now disclose PFAS usage in their products and demonstrate efforts to phase out or find safer alternatives. For industries such as textiles, firefighting, and electronics, these updates necessitate significant changes in supply chain management and production processes.

Another critical update involves waste management. Landfills and wastewater treatment facilities are facing stricter guidelines for handling PFAS-laden materials. Compliance will require enhanced treatment technologies and monitoring protocols.

Globally, other countries are following suit. The European Union is advancing its plans to ban over 10,000 PFAS chemicals by 2025, creating additional challenges for multinational corporations. These synchronized efforts reflect growing recognition of PFAS as a global crisis.

For EHS professionals, staying ahead of these regulations is imperative. Understanding these changes enables proactive planning, minimizing risks of noncompliance and reputational damage while fostering sustainable practices.

Implications for EHS Professionals

The upcoming PFAS regulations pose significant challenges and responsibilities for EHS professionals, who play a central role in ensuring organizational compliance and mitigating risks. As the 2025 implementation deadline approaches, EHS managers must adapt their practices to meet heightened standards.

One immediate task is conducting a comprehensive inventory of PFAS usage within the organization. This involves identifying all products, processes, and waste streams that may contain these chemicals. Collaboration with suppliers to obtain detailed material disclosures is also essential, especially for industries heavily reliant on PFAS-containing materials, such as manufacturing, firefighting, and construction.

EHS teams will also need to establish robust monitoring systems to track PFAS emissions and ensure compliance with reporting requirements. This could include sampling water discharges, testing air emissions, and auditing waste disposal practices. Implementing advanced technologies for PFAS detection, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, can enhance the accuracy of these efforts.

Training and communication are critical components of compliance. Employees at all levels must be educated about the new regulations, their implications, and best practices for managing PFAS-related risks. This ensures organizational alignment and fosters a culture of accountability.

Additionally, EHS managers must prepare for increased scrutiny from regulators and stakeholders. Transparent reporting, backed by data-driven assessments, will be key to maintaining trust and credibility.

By proactively addressing these challenges, EHS professionals not only safeguard their organizations against potential liabilities but also position themselves as leaders in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Future Trends and Innovations

As PFAS regulations evolve, advancements in technology and policy offer promising pathways for mitigation and management. Emerging solutions, such as activated carbon filters, ion exchange resins, and advanced oxidation processes, are proving effective in reducing PFAS contamination in water systems. Meanwhile, industries are exploring biodegradable alternatives to PFAS, fostering innovation in materials science.

Policy developments are also gaining momentum on the global stage. Initiatives like the European Union’s sweeping restrictions on PFAS and collaborative international efforts signal a shift toward comprehensive, unified action. For EHS professionals, staying abreast of these trends is essential for long-term compliance and environmental leadership.

BLS Report on Workplace Shows Injury Decline for 2023

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its 2023 report on workplace injuries and illnesses in the U.S., marking a positive trend for employee health and safety. According to the report, nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector decreased compared to 2022. This latest data is a crucial indicator of progress in occupational safety, offering insights into how policies, industry practices, and safety programs have evolved to reduce incident rates.

Workplace safety remains an essential focus across all sectors, as both employers and regulators prioritize the health and well-being of the workforce. The findings in the BLS report highlight not only improvements in incident prevention but also the areas that require continued attention and resources. This analysis explores the key takeaways from the 2023 report, the underlying factors behind the decline, and what these findings mean for future workplace safety.

Key Findings of the 2023 BLS Report

The 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reveals a positive trend for worker safety across the U.S. private sector, with a noticeable decrease in incident rates compared to the previous year. This decline indicates that fewer workers were affected by nonfatal injuries and illnesses, underscoring the effectiveness of improved safety protocols and risk management practices in many industries.

According to the BLS data, the private sector saw a year-over-year reduction in reported injury and illness cases, with sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and transportation showing some of the most significant declines. The report also highlighted changes in incident types, with declines in repetitive motion injuries, slips and falls, and equipment-related accidents. Healthcare and manufacturing, often associated with higher injury rates, also recorded improvements, a possible indication of enhanced safety measures in traditionally high-risk environments.

One notable trend in the 2023 data is the continued impact of post-pandemic safety measures, such as better ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, which may have contributed to a decrease in respiratory illnesses. Additionally, ergonomic interventions and technology-driven safety programs in physically demanding jobs played a role in reducing incidents of strain and repetitive stress injuries.

This report provides a snapshot of how industry sectors are responding to the challenge of keeping employees safe while maintaining productivity. These findings serve as a foundation for understanding broader trends in EHS and evaluating areas that still require improvement.

Factors Behind the Decline

The decline in nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2023 can be attributed to a mix of regulatory, technological, and organizational improvements in employee health and safety. This section explores some of the most significant factors contributing to the recent progress.

Enhanced Safety Programs and Training Initiatives
Many industries have increased their commitment to safety programs, emphasizing prevention through training and proactive risk assessment. Enhanced safety training often focuses on hazard recognition, use of protective equipment, and emergency response skills. Programs like OSHA’s Safe + Sound campaign have also encouraged employers to actively involve employees in safety planning, which has been shown to lower injury rates. When workers feel empowered to identify and mitigate risks, workplaces become safer environments.

Regulatory Changes and Stronger Enforcement
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has played a role in reducing workplace injuries through stricter enforcement of safety regulations and by prioritizing high-risk sectors for inspections. For example, OSHA has recently targeted industries like construction and manufacturing with initiatives focused on reducing falls, equipment injuries, and hazardous exposures. These targeted programs push organizations to adhere to rigorous safety standards, reducing incidents in traditionally high-risk jobs.

Advances in Technology and Data Analytics
The adoption of technology has transformed workplace safety in recent years. Many companies now utilize data analytics to identify high-risk behaviors and monitor trends in workplace incidents. Wearable devices, for example, are being used in physically demanding jobs to monitor employees’ movements and reduce ergonomic risks. Predictive analytics and real-time tracking can alert managers to potential safety risks before incidents occur, allowing for immediate corrective actions.

Post-COVID Workplace Adjustments
The ongoing influence of COVID-19 has also prompted new safety measures, especially in indoor environments. Improved ventilation, hygiene practices, and the use of personal protective equipment continue to contribute to a decrease in respiratory illnesses and other related workplace injuries. These preventive measures, originally intended to curb virus transmission, have proven beneficial in broader workplace health and safety applications.

Challenges Still Present in Workplace Safety

Despite the progress shown in the 2023 BLS report, challenges persist in ensuring safety across all sectors. Some industries, such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare, continue to experience higher rates of workplace injuries and illnesses. These sectors are characterized by the physical demands of the work, exposure to potentially hazardous environments, and, in some cases, difficulty in maintaining comprehensive safety oversight due to the nature of the work environment.

In construction, for example, hazards related to falls from heights, heavy machinery, and electrical exposure remain prevalent. Though targeted safety programs have helped, fully mitigating these risks requires continuous training, updated safety technologies, and vigilant monitoring. Similarly, in healthcare, workers often face risks associated with repetitive strain, exposure to infectious diseases, and incidents of workplace violence, particularly in emergency settings. The fast-paced nature of healthcare settings sometimes makes it difficult to maintain strict safety protocols.

Furthermore, many high-risk industries struggle with resource limitations, especially smaller businesses that may lack access to advanced safety technologies or extensive training programs. Addressing these barriers is crucial for achieving a more universal decline in workplace injuries and illnesses, ensuring that all employees, regardless of sector, benefit from a safe work environment.

Future Implications and the Path Forward

The 2023 decline in workplace injuries offers encouraging evidence that safety interventions are working, but it also highlights the need for sustained investment in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) measures. To continue this trend, organizations must prioritize proactive safety practices and the adoption of emerging technologies like predictive analytics, which can help anticipate and prevent incidents.

Additionally, continued collaboration between industry leaders, regulatory agencies, and safety professionals will be essential to addressing the challenges in high-risk sectors. By fostering a culture of safety that adapts to changing workplace dynamics, employers can support long-term improvements in worker health and safety.

CORe: Surprise H&S Inspection - Use your Legal Register to be Inspection Ready

Have your company’s offices or stores ever been caught off-guard by an unexpected inspection from the Occupational Health and Safety authority? Imagine scrambling to locate key documents and records to verify compliance, only to find that many required files were incomplete or missing entirely. It’s a stressful situation.

As a CORe member, there is a smart solution to ensure you are always prepared: leverage your CORe Country H&S Legal Register as the foundation for a streamlined and organized system.

Here is how it works: Simply link all relevant records and documents from your office or store directly to the corresponding regulatory items in your H&S legal register or checklist. This transforms your legal register into a powerful compliance tool.

Benefits? Your office or store will be inspection-ready—no more last-minute searches, just a well-prepared, easy-to-access system. It's a simple yet effective solution.

Take note:

• This approach also serves as a central repository for all site H&S documents, and provides easy access.

• Of course, maintaining up-to-date H&S documents is essential for the long-term success of this strategy.

• This approach works best when most or all of your H&S documents are in an electronic format.

To learn more about CORe EHS regulatory compliance tools for offices and stores, please visit Core EHS Legal Compliance Resources or contact convergence consulting at infomail@cc-global.com

October as Biosafety and Biosecurity Month: Promoting Safety and Compliance in Research Environments

Every October, institutions across the country participate in Biosafety and Biosecurity Month, a campaign led by the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) to promote a culture of safety and responsibility in research environments. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of handling hazardous biological materials safely and emphasizes the ethical responsibilities researchers have to protect both human health and the environment.

The campaign's focus goes beyond compliance; it fosters collaboration between environmental health and safety (EHS) professionals and research staff, encouraging best practices to prevent accidents and biosecurity breaches. As laboratories engage with more advanced research, from infectious disease studies to synthetic biology, the need for strict adherence to biosafety protocols is more critical than ever. This month provides an opportunity for organizations to evaluate and enhance their safety practices, ensuring they meet both regulatory requirements and ethical standards.

What is Biosafety and Biosecurity?

Biosafety and biosecurity are essential components of laboratory and research practices designed to protect individuals, communities, and the environment from exposure to biological hazards. While these terms are often used together, they address different but complementary concerns. Biosafety focuses on the protection of people and the environment from accidental exposure to or release of potentially harmful biological materials. In contrast, biosecurity emphasizes the protection of these materials from theft, misuse, or intentional release, ensuring that pathogens are not used for malicious purposes.

In research and clinical settings, biosafety practices involve protocols such as the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), autoclave sterilization, and the safe disposal of medical waste. Biosecurity measures, on the other hand, include access controls, surveillance systems, and tracking biological materials to prevent unauthorized access or diversion of infectious agents.

The increasing complexity of scientific research—such as studies involving genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and high-containment pathogens—requires advanced biosafety and biosecurity frameworks. Organizations like the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) lead efforts to promote these practices, ensuring that laboratories worldwide adopt robust safety systems to protect public health and research integrity.

The alignment of biosafety and biosecurity also promotes public trust, as researchers demonstrate that their work is conducted safely and responsibly. By adhering to these standards, institutions not only protect their staff but also avoid reputational risks and meet evolving regulatory requirements from agencies like OSHA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Key Campaign Objectives for 2024

The 2024 Biosafety and Biosecurity Month centers on promoting safety stewardship and regulatory compliance across laboratories and research institutions. This year’s campaign emphasizes three core objectives: enhancing collaboration between safety professionals and researchers, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering ethical conduct in scientific research.

1. Training and Awareness Building
   A key focus is on increasing awareness and providing targeted training on critical safety protocols, such as handling infectious agents, bloodborne pathogen management, and autoclave operations. Site-specific training led by supervisors is emphasized, ensuring that safety measures are tailored to the specific risks of each laboratory environment. Regular training ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, such as OSHA's mandates on hazardous materials management.

2. Emphasis on Waste Management and Compliance
   Improper disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste poses significant safety risks and can attract financial penalties. The campaign encourages research institutions to conduct routine audits of their waste management practices, involving EHS professionals in annual reviews of waste regulations to maintain compliance. The goal is to prevent accidents and ensure that all hazardous waste is handled according to federal guidelines.

3. Engaging Researchers in Safety Practices
   Beyond compliance, the campaign fosters a culture of safety by engaging researchers directly in discussions about biosecurity. This collaborative approach aims to build trust and ensure that safety practices are integrated into day-to-day operations. The campaign encourages participation from every level of research personnel, from principal investigators to laboratory technicians, emphasizing that safety is a shared responsibility.

By focusing on these objectives, the 2024 campaign aims to enhance operational safety, prevent accidents, and ensure that scientific work is conducted with both integrity and responsibility.

Compliance and Training Requirements

Strict adherence to biosafety and biosecurity regulations is essential for laboratories to avoid accidents, protect staff, and maintain research integrity. Federal and state bodies such as OSHA, the CDC, and the NIH provide frameworks that guide safety protocols, including the proper handling, storage, and disposal of biohazardous materials. Non-compliance can result in severe financial penalties, reputational damage, and increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies.

1. Federal and State Regulatory Requirements
   Regulations such as OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and NIH guidelines for research involving recombinant DNA require laboratories to implement specific biosafety measures. Laboratories must also comply with Hazard Communication (HazCom) standards, which mandate proper labeling and documentation of all hazardous substances used in the lab.

2. Mandatory Training Programs
   Effective biosafety management begins with comprehensive training. Institutions must provide both general and site-specific training to laboratory staff. General training typically covers topics like biohazard waste management, PPE use, and chemical safety, while site-specific sessions address risks unique to a particular lab setting. The 2024 Biosafety and Biosecurity Month highlights the importance of involving supervisors in these training efforts, ensuring that protocols are reviewed before any research activities commence.

3. Risks of Non-Compliance
   Non-compliance with biosafety standards not only increases the risk of accidents but can also result in fines or operational shutdowns. Regulatory bodies conduct routine inspections, and institutions found lacking in compliance may be required to halt projects until safety gaps are addressed. Moreover, research misconduct or negligence in biosecurity protocols can tarnish the reputation of institutions, affecting their ability to secure funding or partnerships in the future.

Practical Steps for Labs to Improve Safety

Laboratories can adopt several practical measures to strengthen their biosafety and biosecurity practices. Implementing these strategies not only reduces the risk of accidents but also ensures compliance with evolving regulations and fosters a culture of continuous improvement in safety management.

1. Conduct Regular Audits and Inspections
   Routine inspections help identify safety gaps before they result in incidents. EHS professionals recommend scheduling annual or semi-annual audits focused on key areas such as waste management, chemical storage, and PPE usage. These inspections ensure that lab conditions align with the latest safety standards and regulatory requirements.

2. Engage EHS Experts and Provide Continuous Training
   One way to enhance safety performance is to involve EHS professionals in lab meetings and training sessions. Continuous education, including refresher courses, ensures that staff stay updated on new regulations and technologies.

3. Establish Clear Communication Channels
   Effective safety management relies on open communication between researchers, supervisors, and EHS teams. Creating platforms for reporting safety concerns, such as anonymous suggestion boxes or digital reporting tools, encourages proactive problem-solving.

4. Integrate Safety into Everyday Operations
   Instead of treating safety as an isolated responsibility, it should be integrated into all aspects of lab operations. Ensuring that safety protocols become routine helps build a sustainable culture of safety.

Conclusion

Biosafety and Biosecurity Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of safeguarding research environments through comprehensive safety practices and regulatory compliance. Participating in initiatives such as this campaign not only enhances operational safety but also reinforces public trust in scientific research.

EU Moves Forward with Single-Use Plastic Ban: Reducing Marine Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with single-use plastics contributing significantly to the degradation of ecosystems, especially marine environments. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in oceans, harming wildlife and disrupting natural processes. Items like plastic straws, cutlery, and packaging often break down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine animals and enter the food chain, posing risks to human health as well.

The European Union (EU) has taken a leading role in addressing this issue, recognizing the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and its damaging impact on marine life. In line with its broader environmental goals, the EU has introduced stringent measures to limit the production and use of single-use plastics, aiming to curtail pollution at the source and set a precedent for global environmental policy.

Background: The EU’s History with Plastic Regulations

The European Union has long been at the forefront of environmental regulation, including efforts to reduce plastic pollution. Over the past decade, the EU has introduced a series of measures aimed at managing plastic waste and promoting more sustainable alternatives. The first significant steps came in 2015 with the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, which included objectives to reduce plastic consumption and increase recycling rates across member states.

In 2018, the EU adopted the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, marking a pivotal moment in its approach to tackling plastic pollution. This strategy aimed to transition from a "take-make-dispose" model to a more sustainable, closed-loop system. A central component was addressing single-use plastics, which account for a large percentage of marine litter.

Following years of consultation and impact assessments, the European Parliament approved a directive in 2019 to ban the production and sale of specific single-use plastic items, such as straws, cutlery, and food containers, by 2021. This marked a significant escalation in the EU's plastic regulations, reflecting the growing urgency to combat marine pollution. The rationale behind these efforts was clear: the longer plastic pollution goes unchecked, the more devastating its impact on marine ecosystems and human health will be.

Key Provisions of the Single-Use Plastic Ban

The European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive, adopted in 2019, targets the most common plastic products found in European waters, which are responsible for 70% of marine litter. The ban, fully enforced across EU member states by 2021, focuses on several key provisions aimed at curbing plastic pollution at its source.

First, the directive prohibits the sale of specific single-use plastic items such as plastic cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and balloon sticks. These products are banned entirely due to the availability of affordable and environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, the directive places restrictions on other single-use plastic items like food containers and cups. While not fully banned, these products are subject to strict reduction targets, requiring EU member states to significantly cut their use over time.

Beyond consumer goods, the ban also introduces mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Under these regulations, manufacturers of plastic products are required to cover the costs of waste management, cleanup, and public awareness campaigns. This financial responsibility creates an incentive for companies to innovate and produce more sustainable packaging solutions.

The directive also sets ambitious recycling goals. By 2025, the EU aims to achieve a 90% collection rate for plastic bottles. Moreover, manufacturers are required to incorporate at least 25% recycled content into new plastic bottles by 2025, increasing to 30% by 2030.

These measures represent a comprehensive approach to reducing plastic waste, combining outright bans with gradual reduction targets and promoting innovation in sustainable alternatives.

Environmental and Economic Impacts

The EU’s single-use plastic ban is expected to have significant environmental benefits, particularly in reducing marine pollution. By targeting plastic products that frequently end up in oceans, the directive aims to lower the volume of plastic waste entering marine ecosystems. This, in turn, should decrease the risk of marine animals ingesting plastics or becoming entangled in debris, both of which have been major contributors to species decline and biodiversity loss. Long-term, the reduction of plastic waste will also help address the growing issue of microplastics, which not only harm marine life but can also find their way into the human food chain.

From an economic perspective, the ban has created both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, industries related to eco-friendly packaging and alternative materials, such as biodegradable products or reusable items, have seen increased demand. This shift has spurred innovation, leading to new business opportunities and job creation in green industries. The EU’s directive, by emphasizing sustainable practices, positions Europe as a leader in the global green economy.

However, the transition has also posed difficulties for some businesses, particularly those heavily reliant on plastic manufacturing. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors such as food packaging and disposable goods face rising costs as they switch to alternative materials. There are concerns over supply chain disruptions, especially in the early stages of the ban’s implementation. Nevertheless, with proper support and adaptation, the long-term economic benefits of a cleaner environment are expected to outweigh the initial challenges.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the EU’s single-use plastic ban has garnered widespread support from environmental groups, it has also faced criticism from certain industries and political circles. Manufacturers of plastic goods have argued that the timeline for the ban's implementation is too short, leaving little room for supply chains to adapt. Some business associations have raised concerns about the economic impact, particularly on smaller companies that may struggle to transition to alternative materials.

Additionally, enforcement across all member states presents a challenge, as different countries may have varying levels of compliance and infrastructure to support the new regulations.

Looking Ahead: The Global Implications

The EU’s single-use plastic ban sets a powerful example for other nations in the global fight against marine pollution. As one of the world’s largest markets, the EU’s decisive action could influence international policies and prompt other countries to adopt similar measures. Already, several nations—including Canada and New Zealand—have introduced bans or restrictions on single-use plastics, mirroring the EU’s approach.

The global implications extend beyond environmental impact. By fostering innovation in sustainable materials and waste management, the EU is setting new standards for eco-friendly business practices. International companies, especially those operating in multiple markets, may begin voluntarily aligning with the EU’s stringent regulations to future-proof their operations. This could drive a broader cultural shift toward sustainability, with increased pressure for global cooperation on marine pollution and other environmental issues. Ultimately, the EU's efforts signal that tackling plastic waste is not only an environmental necessity but also a global economic opportunity.