Developing Hazard Rating Calculation Methodologies for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.

Abstract

Historical and present-day use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to environmental and human health impacts that prove challenging to address. Therefore, prioritization of PFAS management based on observed or predicted toxicological properties and environmental fate is critical in the development of effective risk management practices. Hazard rating calculations use a range of literature-derived quantitative data to identify and rank the potential risk posed by a contaminant of concern associated with an activity or land use. The present study describes the use of hazard rating calculation methodologies to evaluate PFAS at federally owned properties across Canada. The hazard rating calculations assess potential site impacts from the use of PFAS, including application of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at fire-fighting training areas (FFTAs). Eleven PFAS were evaluated based on their prevalence or use in AFFFs and the availability of established chemical data. The hazard rating evaluated 4 properties: human health, environmental fate, deleterious quantity, and release and impact modifier. In the present study, hazard ratings calculated for perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluoroheptanoate, and 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate were greater than for the remaining evaluated PFAS. This hazard rating system is beneficial for selecting and/or developing site management or remediation strategies. The methodology supports a comprehensive, site-scale approach for prioritizing PFAS management, and can be integrated into future regulatory framework and contaminant prioritization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:937-946. © 2021 SETAC.