Taking a holistic approach to PFAS in land, air and water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), referring to over 10,000 chemicals used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, are a pervasive issue across the environment. There has been increasing concern about their environmental and potential health impacts, given their ubiquity in groundwater, surface water and soils. One area that is currently less well understood is PFAS emissions to air. In this upcoming panel discussion, we will explore the challenge of PFAS across land, air and water, with an expert panel sharing insights on PFAS in air and waste, and the implications this has for soil and water. Our speakers represent a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, with the event bringing together representatives from the Land Condition Community, Foundation for Water Research (FWR) and Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM). 

This event builds on thinking recently outlined in the IAQM's Insights Article on PFAS emissions in air, in which authors Sarah Horrocks and Dan Maher considered what can be learned from the approach laid out in the recent IAQM guidance on air quality monitoring for brownfield projects in terms of management and monitoring of PFAS. 

After speakers have delivered presentations on the impacts of PFAS in their respective fields, a panel discussion will be held to reflect on the links between specialisms, how collaboration can help solve the challenge of PFAS management, and where the interfaces are between land, air and water in terms of PFAS mobility. 

This event is free to IES members, with a fee of £40 for non-members. You will be contacted after booking should your attendance require payment.

If you are not yet a member, consider joining us for exclusive access to a wide range of resources, events and professional development opportunities.

Our Chair

Dan Maher is a contaminated land professional with over 18 years' experience in environmental regulation and consultancy. He is a chartered scientist with the Institution of Environmental Sciences. He spent over a decade working as a Local Authority regulator, which has given him significant expertise in navigating the framework of regulation around contaminated land in the UK, as well as developing skills in human health risk assessment, site conceptualisation and data gap assessment. Since moving to consultancy, Dan has worked on a variety of high-profile projects, with an increasing focus on managing PFAS liability on permitted sites across the UK.

Speakers tba! 

Image credit: Peter Togel via Adobe Stock