Landfills are supposed to contain the waste dumped into them, but a recent study has found that dangerous chemicals known as “forever chemicals” are escaping into the air from some landfills in Florida. These chemicals, called PFAS, have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, immune system problems, and developmental disorders in children.
Researchers have discovered that the levels of PFAS in the gas emitted from landfills are comparable to or even higher than the levels found in the liquid runoff from the waste. This is concerning because the systems designed to collect gas from landfills are not as efficient as those collecting liquid runoff, and the captured gas is not usually treated to remove PFAS.
PFAS are incredibly persistent in the environment due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them resistant to heat, grease, and water. These chemicals can take over 1,000 years to break down naturally. Studies have shown that most U.S. landfills contain PFAS in their leachate, and now it’s clear that these chemicals are also escaping into the air.
A recent study analyzed gas samples from three landfills and found that 13 different types of PFAS were present, with concentrations ranging from 210 to 940 parts per trillion. The researchers also compared the amount of PFAS in the gas to that in the leachate and found that similar amounts of these chemicals were escaping into both.
While researchers are still trying to determine the full extent of PFAS emissions from landfills, it is clear that these forever chemicals are being released into the air. However, experts are unsure of the health impacts of these low levels of PFAS in the air or whether burning landfill gas destroys these chemicals.
In addition to landfills, household products can also release PFAS into indoor environments, where they can accumulate in dust. This means that people living near landfills may be exposed to PFAS not only through the air but also through household dust, especially if they have older items treated with these chemicals.
While more research is needed to fully understand the environmental and health impacts of PFAS emissions from landfills, it is evident that these forever chemicals are a cause for concern. Proper management and treatment of landfill gas containing PFAS are essential to prevent further contamination of the environment and protect public health.
