ASTM E3358-23

4.3.1?The actions described in this guide are intended to provide a multi-step risk management framework to confirm, with reasonable certainty, that PFAS may have been used at a federally-owned, publicly-owned, or privately-owned property. This standard provides guidance on how to focus limited resources on using a multi-step process, illustrated in Fig. 2, to identify property potentially impacted by on-site or off-site uses and releases of PFAS. Section 4.5 describes the use and occurrence of FIG. 2?Initial Site Screening and Characterization Flow Diagram

4.4.1?In the 1940s, industrial processes to commercially produce 4.4.2?Release of PFAS during manufacture into the atmosphere may have occurred, and may be continuing to occur, followed by subsequent redeposition of PFAS materials on land where PFAS can enter surface water and groundwater. Other potential sources of PFAS emissions are dry cleaning and commercial laundry operations where clothing coated with 4.4.3?Broadly, consumer and industrial uses of 4.5?PFAs Use and Occurence:?

4.7.5?Electronics IndustryPFAS have been used as components in electronic devices (for example, in flat panel displays or liquid crystal displays). PFAS have also been used for the testing of electronic devices and equipment, as heat transfer fluids/cooling agents, in cleaning solutions, to deposit lubricants, and to etch piezoelectric ceramic filters. PFAS are also used in the production of semiconductors and wiring.

4.7.6?Plastics and Rubber ProductionPFAS have been used as mold release agents, foam blowing agents, foam regulators, polymer processing aids, plastic etching agents, anti-blocking agents for rubber, and curatives in the production of plastic and rubber. Fluoropolymers can increase the processing efficiency and quality of plastic and rubber. The use of 4.7.7?Coatings, Paints, and VarnishesLarge amounts of fluoropolymers have been used in coatings and paints to impart oil- and water-repellency. Fluoropolymers are also used as anti-stick and anticorrosive coatings.

4.7.8?Refineries and Petrochemical IndustriesAs noted previously, AFFF containing PFAS has been used for fire suppression at petroleum refineries, petrochemical manufacturing operations, and bulk 4.7.9?Munitions and Explosives ProductionPFAS is used in a small percentage of energetics as binders and oxidizers, and in some military munitions for liners, o-rings, or other components (SERDP 2020) (7). Manufacturers of munitions have historically released PFAS through open-burning of munition waste.

4.7.10?Aircraft and Heavy Equipment ManufacturingIndustries that use electroplating in the production and manufacturing of parts and equipment may have used PFAS-containing chemicals.

4.7.11?Public-Sector and Private-Sector Airports4.7.12?CarwashesPFAS are a component of the soap and waxes at commercial car washes (NAICS code 811192). Sumps and catch basins at a carwash that have lost their structural integrity may be a source of 1.1?Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 7,000 manmade compounds consisting of polymeric chains of carbon bonded to fluorine atoms, usually with a polar functional group at the head. This guide recognizes that PFAS can be categorized as polymeric or nonpolymeric, collectively amounting to more than 4,700 Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)-registered substances. Environmental concerns pertaining to PFAS are centered primarily on the perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA), a subclass of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which display extreme persistence and chain-length dependent bioaccumulation and adverse effects in biota.

1.2?The regulatory framework for PFAS continues to evolve, both domestically and internationally. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proceeding with a wide-ranging set of 1.3?Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDF) currently operating under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) via a Part B Permit may be ordered to investigate 1.4?Numerous states and Tribes are using their existing regulatory programs to direct investigation, site remediation, and correction action related to releases of PFAS to soil, groundwater, and surface waters. These actions range from health advisories and guidelines to enforceable regulatory standards. Regulatory considerations include 1.5?This guide assists 1.6?This guide does not constitute All Appropriate Inquiries as defined in 40 CFR Part 312 and is not intended to provide the user with any of the landowner liability protections codified in CERCLA ?101(35)(A)(i), CERCLA ?101(40)(B)(iii), or CERCLA ?107(q)(1)(A)(viii)..

1.7?This guide describes widely accepted considerations and best practices used in the site screening and initial site characterization process, with specific consideration of the potential for the 1.8?This guide does not address and is not applicable to sampling and analysis of public or private domestic water supply systems subject to regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act and state private well testing act requirements. Regulatory agencies responsible for implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act may have established sampling and reporting requirements for public, community, and privately operated water systems.

1.9?All references to specific federal or state programs are current as of the date of publication. The user is cautioned not to rely on this guide alone but to consult directly with the appropriate program and legal counsel regarding this complex and rapidly evolving concern.

1.10?This guide is intended to complement, not replace, existing regulatory requirements or guidance. ASTM International (ASTM) guides are not regulations; they are consensus-based standards that may be followed as needed.

1.11?UnitsThe values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Other units, such as fractional units of parts per billion (ppb) and parts per trillion (ppt), are also included in this guide.

1.12?This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.13?This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.