Emerging Contaminants
What are emerging contaminants?
Advances in technology continue to reveal new contaminants in the environment, prompting research into their potential impacts on human health and ecological receptors.
Many of these emerging contaminants are not routinely monitored or analyzed, and remain unregulated or are subject to rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks. For example, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large group of thousands of compounds with diverse physical and chemical properties that is an area of advancing regulatory focus. Other examples include N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine-quinone (commonly known as 6PPD-quinone – an antioxidant added to vehicle tires to prevent degradation), flame retardants, microplastics, pharmaceutical and personal care product (PCPP) residues, among others.
How Intrinsik can help
Intrinsik’s environmental consultants have extensive experience researching and evaluating the impacts of emerging contaminants on living systems. Intrinsik supports clients in understanding the potential risks of emerging contaminants and in developing strategies to assess these complex substances at contaminated sites, within materials, or for litigation purposes. We can provide support in evaluating and interpreting potential human health and ecological risks associated with a wide range of emerging contaminants. Our team can also assist with reviews of jurisdictional guidance and conduct comprehensive literature reviews related to emerging contaminants, and the development of toxicity-based values.
Our staff includes experienced risk assessors, professional biologists, and board-certified toxicologists with expertise across Canada and the United States.
More information and answers to frequently asked questions
For more information on PFAS and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) please check out our blog