The California Environmental Protection Agency released a draft report in July 2021 which would set a science-based safe level—called a public health goal—of 0.007 part per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 1 ppt for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water. The proposed public health goals are much lower than those set by the EPA on a federal level in 2016 (70 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, individually or combined).

A new study led by Graham Peaslee of the University of Notre Dame found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics in the US and Canada; however, they are rarely disclosed on ingredient labels. Less than 8% of more than 200 products evaluated listed PFAS on their label despite over 50% of products containing fluorine (suggesting the presence of PFAS). A subsequent detailed evaluation of 29 products using mass spectroscopy confirmed the presence of PFAS in all 29 products, with 20 products containing relatively high levels.

Since our founding in 2013, Vireo has provided guidance and leadership to help innovators raise the bar on sustainability in innovation. We’ve seen tremendous growth over the last eight years, and were fortunate to have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with 17% annual growth, thanks to the unfailing efforts of our clients and network.

Dr. Kimberly Ong of Vireo Advisors, LLC is pleased to serve on the board of NanoCanada’s Canadian Safety and Health Initiative for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials and invites you to register for the webinar, “Nanotechnology regulation in Canada, the United States, and the European Union” on May 5, 2021.

The team at Vireo shares how we are celebrating Earth Day this year, with contributions from the team: Jo Anne Shatkin, James Ede, Kimberly Ong, Megan Roberts, Shaun Clancy, Jerry Liu, Ana Diges, Patricia Hodgkinson, and Leslie Hockman.