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Let's Pulverise the PFAS Problem!

Name: Hazchem Services
Address: Level 4, 2 Emily Place, Central Auckland, 1010, NZ
Telephone: 0800 110 984
Price range: $$

Hazchem • Aug 08, 2018

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PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl substances) are a dangerous class of contaminants that are becoming a substantial concern across New Zealand.

Since the 1950s, the synthetically produced compounds were manufactured commercially and used extensively for many years in consumer goods. From furniture to upholstery, carpeting, and even food wrappers, PFAS has been found in many day-to-day products. Despite the production of these compounds being cancelled in 2002, traces of PFAS can still be detected in old merchandise and in some imported goods.

PFAS substances were also commonly used in firefighting foams, the most common of which was AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foams) Fire Foam. AFFF fire foam contained PFOS (Perfluoroctanesulfonate) which is one of the most common PFAS substances.

The scary truth is, PFAS do not break down efficiently. PFAS compounds live in the air, soil and water and can amass over time in certain organisms. If ingested by a person, the PFAS takes such a long time to leave the body that it can, in fact, increase in concentration over time especially if the person is frequently exposed to it.

New Zealand is a party to the Stockholm Convention which means that we have obligations to ensure that these hazardous substances are managed in an environmentally sound manner.

PFAS substances commonly used in Firefighting Foams.

Hazchem Services Managing Director, Daniel Allen has extensive experience in managing PFAS substances. During his time in the Australian hazardous waste industry, he was General Manager of the only facility in Australia licenced at the time to treat such substances. A combination of Plasma Arc destruction and Thermal Desorption technologies were employed to treat solid and liquid materials contaminated with PFAS substances .

Hazchem Services can provide identification, packaging, collection and treatment services for PFAS substances in Auckland & Northland, New Zealand so that you can be confident in disposing of damaging PFAS compounds the right way.