USEPA Adds Nine PFAS Chemicals to Toxics Release Inventory

January 3, 2025
image_pdfimage_print

On January 3, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced the addition of nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). This move aims to enhance transparency and inform communities about the presence and management of these chemicals in their environment.

PFAS Can Be Found in Firefighting Foams

What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Concern?

PFAS are a group of manmade chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products to resist water, grease, and stains. Commonly found in items like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to adverse health effects, including liver damage, thyroid disease, and increased risk of certain cancers.

Details on the Nine Newly Added PFAS to the TRI List

Ammonium perfluorodecanoate (PFDA NH₄) (CAS Number: 3108-42-7)
This chemical is used to create coatings for non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, and waterproof textiles. For instance, it may be found in non-stick frying pans or treated upholstery fabric that resists spills and stains.

Sodium perfluorodecanoate (PFDA-Na) (CAS Number: 3830-45-3)
Often used in industrial cleaning agents and as a processing aid in plastics and rubber, this chemical enhances cleaning efficiency. It may be found in solutions for cleaning heavy machinery.

Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (CAS Number: 377-73-1)
This PFAS is an intermediate used in coatings for electronics, such as water-resistant circuit boards in smartphones to protect against liquid damage.

6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate acid (CAS Number: 27619-97-2)
Commonly used in firefighting foams and stain-resistant treatments, this chemical is essential in fighting oil and fuel fires, such as at airports or military installations.

6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate anion (CAS Number: 425670-75-3)
A breakdown product of other fluorotelomer substances, this PFAS often remains as residue in treated consumer goods like water-repellent outdoor gear or as a contaminant near manufacturing facilities.

6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate potassium salt (CAS Number: 59587-38-1)
This PFAS is used in grease-proof coatings for paper and packaging, such as fast-food wrappers or pizza boxes that prevent oil from soaking through.

6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate ammonium salt (CAS Number: 59587-39-2)
Found in surface treatments for textiles, carpets, and metals, this chemical helps create water- and stain-resistant surfaces, such as waterproof sprays for hiking boots.

6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate sodium salt (CAS Number: 27619-94-9)
Used in cleaning agents and industrial lubricants, this PFAS improves durability and performance, such as in cleaning solutions for maintaining computer hard drives.

Acetic acid, [(γ-ω-perfluoro-C8-10-alkyl)thio] derivs., Bu esters (CAS Number: 3030471-22-5)
Applied in specialty coatings and lubricants for high-performance applications, this chemical is used in aerospace engineering or automotive manufacturing to enhance product durability.

How the Addition of PFAS to TRI List Impacts Industries

Industries involved in manufacturing, processing, or using these PFAS must now report their environmental releases and waste management practices to the USEPA annually each July. This requirement affects sectors such as manufacturing, chemical production, food packaging, and firefighting foam applications. Facilities should begin tracking these chemicals immediately, with reporting forms due by July 1, 2026.

EnviroScience’s PFAS Services: Your Partner in Compliance

Navigating the complexities of PFAS regulations requires expertise and precision. EnviroScience offers comprehensive services to help industries comply with the new TRI reporting requirements:

  • PFAS Sampling and Analysis: Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques to detect and quantify PFAS levels in various environmental media.
  • Regulatory Compliance Support: Assisting clients in understanding and meeting USEPA reporting obligations.
  • Risk Assessment and Management: Evaluating potential health and environmental risks associated with PFAS and developing strategies to mitigate them.
  • Remediation Services: Designing and implementing effective solutions to address PFAS contamination.

With a national reputation for excellence in solving environmental challenges, EnviroScience is your trusted partner in ensuring compliance and protecting public health.

Take Action Today: Learn More About Our PFAS Solutions

It is essential to stay ahead of regulatory changes and safeguard your operations. Visit our PFAS Services page today to learn how we can assist you in managing PFAS-related challenges and submit a request for more information.


Few environmental firms in the country retain EnviroScience’s degree of scientific know-how, talent, and capability under one roof. The diverse backgrounds of our biologists, environmental engineers, scientists, and divers enable us to provide comprehensive in-house services and an integrated approach to solving environmental challenges—saving clients time, reducing costs, and ensuring high-quality results.

Our client guarantee is to provide “Excellence in Any Environment,” meaning no matter what we do, we will deliver on our Core Values of respect, client advocacy, quality work, accountability, teamwork, and safety. EnviroScience was created with the concept that we could solve complex problems by empowering great people. This concept still holds true today as our scientists explore the latest environmental legislation and regulations and incorporate the most up-to-date technology to gather and report data.

EnviroScience expertise includes but is not limited to aquatic surveys (including macroinvertebrate surveys and biological assessments); ecological restoration; ecological services (including impact assessments, invasive species control, and water quality monitoring); emergency response; engineering and compliance services; endangered mussel surveys; laboratory and analysis; stormwater management; sustainability services; threatened and endangered species; and wetlands and streams (including delineation and mitigation). Further, EnviroScience is one of the few biological firms in the country that is a general member of the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and offers full-service commercial diving services.