PFAS Regulations in 2025: What EHS Professionals Need to Know

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a critical focus for environmental, health, and safety (EHS) professionals worldwide. Often referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds used extensively in manufacturing, from nonstick cookware and waterproof textiles to firefighting foam. Their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in living organisms pose significant risks to both human health and ecosystems.

The year 2025 marks a pivotal shift in the regulatory landscape for PFAS, as governments worldwide, led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), implement stricter controls on their production, use, and disposal. For EHS professionals, these changes signify not just compliance challenges but also opportunities to lead sustainability efforts within their organizations.

This article delves into the critical updates to PFAS regulations for 2025, offering insights and actionable strategies to help EHS managers prepare for and adapt to these landmark changes.

What Are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a vast class of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals characterized by their unique carbon-fluorine bonds. This chemical structure gives PFAS their remarkable stability, making them resistant to heat, water, and oil. These properties have made PFAS indispensable in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, textiles, and food packaging.

However, the very durability that makes PFAS valuable also makes them harmful. Dubbed “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not naturally break down, leading to their accumulation in soil, water, and the human body. Scientific studies have linked prolonged PFAS exposure to severe health risks, including cancer, thyroid disorders, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

PFAS contamination has become a global environmental crisis. These chemicals are frequently detected in drinking water supplies and agricultural lands, causing widespread concern. Regulatory bodies are intensifying efforts to address these issues, recognizing the urgent need to limit PFAS exposure and mitigate their impacts. For EHS professionals, understanding the science and prevalence of PFAS is critical to navigating the evolving regulatory environment and safeguarding their organizations against potential liabilities.

Key Changes in 2025 Regulations

The regulatory framework for PFAS is set to tighten significantly in 2025, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spearheading efforts to address these persistent chemicals. Several new measures aim to curb PFAS production, minimize exposure, and enhance environmental and human health protections.

A major milestone is the EPA’s anticipated finalization of enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This regulation targets specific compounds like PFOA and PFOS, setting limits as low as 4 parts per trillion (ppt)—a groundbreaking move given the chemicals' widespread detection in water systems. Additionally, new rules will require industries to monitor and report PFAS releases into air, soil, and waterways, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is also undergoing revisions. Manufacturers must now disclose PFAS usage in their products and demonstrate efforts to phase out or find safer alternatives. For industries such as textiles, firefighting, and electronics, these updates necessitate significant changes in supply chain management and production processes.

Another critical update involves waste management. Landfills and wastewater treatment facilities are facing stricter guidelines for handling PFAS-laden materials. Compliance will require enhanced treatment technologies and monitoring protocols.

Globally, other countries are following suit. The European Union is advancing its plans to ban over 10,000 PFAS chemicals by 2025, creating additional challenges for multinational corporations. These synchronized efforts reflect growing recognition of PFAS as a global crisis.

For EHS professionals, staying ahead of these regulations is imperative. Understanding these changes enables proactive planning, minimizing risks of noncompliance and reputational damage while fostering sustainable practices.

Implications for EHS Professionals

The upcoming PFAS regulations pose significant challenges and responsibilities for EHS professionals, who play a central role in ensuring organizational compliance and mitigating risks. As the 2025 implementation deadline approaches, EHS managers must adapt their practices to meet heightened standards.

One immediate task is conducting a comprehensive inventory of PFAS usage within the organization. This involves identifying all products, processes, and waste streams that may contain these chemicals. Collaboration with suppliers to obtain detailed material disclosures is also essential, especially for industries heavily reliant on PFAS-containing materials, such as manufacturing, firefighting, and construction.

EHS teams will also need to establish robust monitoring systems to track PFAS emissions and ensure compliance with reporting requirements. This could include sampling water discharges, testing air emissions, and auditing waste disposal practices. Implementing advanced technologies for PFAS detection, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, can enhance the accuracy of these efforts.

Training and communication are critical components of compliance. Employees at all levels must be educated about the new regulations, their implications, and best practices for managing PFAS-related risks. This ensures organizational alignment and fosters a culture of accountability.

Additionally, EHS managers must prepare for increased scrutiny from regulators and stakeholders. Transparent reporting, backed by data-driven assessments, will be key to maintaining trust and credibility.

By proactively addressing these challenges, EHS professionals not only safeguard their organizations against potential liabilities but also position themselves as leaders in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Future Trends and Innovations

As PFAS regulations evolve, advancements in technology and policy offer promising pathways for mitigation and management. Emerging solutions, such as activated carbon filters, ion exchange resins, and advanced oxidation processes, are proving effective in reducing PFAS contamination in water systems. Meanwhile, industries are exploring biodegradable alternatives to PFAS, fostering innovation in materials science.

Policy developments are also gaining momentum on the global stage. Initiatives like the European Union’s sweeping restrictions on PFAS and collaborative international efforts signal a shift toward comprehensive, unified action. For EHS professionals, staying abreast of these trends is essential for long-term compliance and environmental leadership.

BLS Report on Workplace Shows Injury Decline for 2023

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently released its 2023 report on workplace injuries and illnesses in the U.S., marking a positive trend for employee health and safety. According to the report, nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector decreased compared to 2022. This latest data is a crucial indicator of progress in occupational safety, offering insights into how policies, industry practices, and safety programs have evolved to reduce incident rates.

Workplace safety remains an essential focus across all sectors, as both employers and regulators prioritize the health and well-being of the workforce. The findings in the BLS report highlight not only improvements in incident prevention but also the areas that require continued attention and resources. This analysis explores the key takeaways from the 2023 report, the underlying factors behind the decline, and what these findings mean for future workplace safety.

Key Findings of the 2023 BLS Report

The 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reveals a positive trend for worker safety across the U.S. private sector, with a noticeable decrease in incident rates compared to the previous year. This decline indicates that fewer workers were affected by nonfatal injuries and illnesses, underscoring the effectiveness of improved safety protocols and risk management practices in many industries.

According to the BLS data, the private sector saw a year-over-year reduction in reported injury and illness cases, with sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and transportation showing some of the most significant declines. The report also highlighted changes in incident types, with declines in repetitive motion injuries, slips and falls, and equipment-related accidents. Healthcare and manufacturing, often associated with higher injury rates, also recorded improvements, a possible indication of enhanced safety measures in traditionally high-risk environments.

One notable trend in the 2023 data is the continued impact of post-pandemic safety measures, such as better ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, which may have contributed to a decrease in respiratory illnesses. Additionally, ergonomic interventions and technology-driven safety programs in physically demanding jobs played a role in reducing incidents of strain and repetitive stress injuries.

This report provides a snapshot of how industry sectors are responding to the challenge of keeping employees safe while maintaining productivity. These findings serve as a foundation for understanding broader trends in EHS and evaluating areas that still require improvement.

Factors Behind the Decline

The decline in nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2023 can be attributed to a mix of regulatory, technological, and organizational improvements in employee health and safety. This section explores some of the most significant factors contributing to the recent progress.

Enhanced Safety Programs and Training Initiatives
Many industries have increased their commitment to safety programs, emphasizing prevention through training and proactive risk assessment. Enhanced safety training often focuses on hazard recognition, use of protective equipment, and emergency response skills. Programs like OSHA’s Safe + Sound campaign have also encouraged employers to actively involve employees in safety planning, which has been shown to lower injury rates. When workers feel empowered to identify and mitigate risks, workplaces become safer environments.

Regulatory Changes and Stronger Enforcement
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has played a role in reducing workplace injuries through stricter enforcement of safety regulations and by prioritizing high-risk sectors for inspections. For example, OSHA has recently targeted industries like construction and manufacturing with initiatives focused on reducing falls, equipment injuries, and hazardous exposures. These targeted programs push organizations to adhere to rigorous safety standards, reducing incidents in traditionally high-risk jobs.

Advances in Technology and Data Analytics
The adoption of technology has transformed workplace safety in recent years. Many companies now utilize data analytics to identify high-risk behaviors and monitor trends in workplace incidents. Wearable devices, for example, are being used in physically demanding jobs to monitor employees’ movements and reduce ergonomic risks. Predictive analytics and real-time tracking can alert managers to potential safety risks before incidents occur, allowing for immediate corrective actions.

Post-COVID Workplace Adjustments
The ongoing influence of COVID-19 has also prompted new safety measures, especially in indoor environments. Improved ventilation, hygiene practices, and the use of personal protective equipment continue to contribute to a decrease in respiratory illnesses and other related workplace injuries. These preventive measures, originally intended to curb virus transmission, have proven beneficial in broader workplace health and safety applications.

Challenges Still Present in Workplace Safety

Despite the progress shown in the 2023 BLS report, challenges persist in ensuring safety across all sectors. Some industries, such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare, continue to experience higher rates of workplace injuries and illnesses. These sectors are characterized by the physical demands of the work, exposure to potentially hazardous environments, and, in some cases, difficulty in maintaining comprehensive safety oversight due to the nature of the work environment.

In construction, for example, hazards related to falls from heights, heavy machinery, and electrical exposure remain prevalent. Though targeted safety programs have helped, fully mitigating these risks requires continuous training, updated safety technologies, and vigilant monitoring. Similarly, in healthcare, workers often face risks associated with repetitive strain, exposure to infectious diseases, and incidents of workplace violence, particularly in emergency settings. The fast-paced nature of healthcare settings sometimes makes it difficult to maintain strict safety protocols.

Furthermore, many high-risk industries struggle with resource limitations, especially smaller businesses that may lack access to advanced safety technologies or extensive training programs. Addressing these barriers is crucial for achieving a more universal decline in workplace injuries and illnesses, ensuring that all employees, regardless of sector, benefit from a safe work environment.

Future Implications and the Path Forward

The 2023 decline in workplace injuries offers encouraging evidence that safety interventions are working, but it also highlights the need for sustained investment in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) measures. To continue this trend, organizations must prioritize proactive safety practices and the adoption of emerging technologies like predictive analytics, which can help anticipate and prevent incidents.

Additionally, continued collaboration between industry leaders, regulatory agencies, and safety professionals will be essential to addressing the challenges in high-risk sectors. By fostering a culture of safety that adapts to changing workplace dynamics, employers can support long-term improvements in worker health and safety.

CORe: Surprise H&S Inspection - Use your Legal Register to be Inspection Ready

Have your company’s offices or stores ever been caught off-guard by an unexpected inspection from the Occupational Health and Safety authority? Imagine scrambling to locate key documents and records to verify compliance, only to find that many required files were incomplete or missing entirely. It’s a stressful situation.

As a CORe member, there is a smart solution to ensure you are always prepared: leverage your CORe Country H&S Legal Register as the foundation for a streamlined and organized system.

Here is how it works: Simply link all relevant records and documents from your office or store directly to the corresponding regulatory items in your H&S legal register or checklist. This transforms your legal register into a powerful compliance tool.

Benefits? Your office or store will be inspection-ready—no more last-minute searches, just a well-prepared, easy-to-access system. It's a simple yet effective solution.

Take note:

• This approach also serves as a central repository for all site H&S documents, and provides easy access.

• Of course, maintaining up-to-date H&S documents is essential for the long-term success of this strategy.

• This approach works best when most or all of your H&S documents are in an electronic format.

To learn more about CORe EHS regulatory compliance tools for offices and stores, please visit Core EHS Legal Compliance Resources or contact convergence consulting at infomail@cc-global.com

OSHA Fines Chicago Countertop Maker: Silica Dust Violations and the Importance of Compliance

In September 2024, OSHA took significant action against a countertop manufacturing company in Chicago, issuing over $1 million in fines for multiple violations related to silica dust exposure. Silica dust, a known hazard in many industries, including construction and manufacturing, poses severe health risks if not properly managed. OSHA’s enforcement actions underscore the critical importance of protecting workers from silica dust, which can cause irreversible damage to respiratory health. This case serves as a reminder of the necessity for companies to comply with OSHA’s stringent regulations to avoid not only financial penalties but also harm to their workforce.

Details of the Chicago Countertop Maker Violations

The countertop maker in question was found guilty of failing to implement sufficient measures to control silica dust levels in the workplace. Among the most egregious violations were the lack of proper ventilation systems, inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and failure to conduct regular air quality monitoring. OSHA’s investigation revealed that workers were exposed to dangerously high levels of respirable crystalline silica, a fine dust produced during cutting, grinding, or polishing materials such as stone and concrete.

Without adequate controls, this dust can become airborne, leading to direct inhalation by workers. In this particular case, the company neglected to provide necessary safety measures such as engineering controls to reduce silica dust emissions at the source. They also failed to offer employees training on the hazards of silica exposure or the proper use of PPE such as respirators. These oversights not only violated OSHA’s silica standards but also put the health of workers at severe risk, leading to significant fines.

Health Risks of Silica Dust Exposure

Silica dust exposure can have long-lasting and life-threatening health effects. The fine particles of silica dust can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing a range of respiratory illnesses. Silicosis, an incurable lung disease, is one of the most severe outcomes of prolonged silica exposure. Workers affected by silicosis experience reduced lung function, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Over time, the disease can worsen, leading to disability or death. Additionally, silica exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.

The seriousness of these health risks is why OSHA has established strict regulations around silica dust management, including permissible exposure limits (PEL) and mandatory use of dust control measures. Companies failing to comply with these regulations not only endanger their workers but also face significant legal and financial repercussions.

OSHA’s Standards and Compliance Requirements for Silica

To combat the dangers of silica dust exposure, OSHA has implemented comprehensive standards for industries where workers are at risk. These standards require employers to limit worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour workday. In addition to maintaining this exposure limit, employers must implement engineering controls, such as ventilation systems or wet-cutting techniques, to minimize dust. Where engineering controls are not sufficient, employers must provide appropriate respiratory protection.

Furthermore, OSHA’s standards mandate regular monitoring of silica levels in the workplace, medical exams for workers exposed to high levels of silica, and detailed training programs that educate workers about the hazards of silica dust and the proper use of PPE. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in significant penalties, as evidenced by the Chicago case. Ensuring compliance not only protects workers but also helps companies avoid the steep financial costs associated with violations.

Impact of Fines and Future Industry Implications

The financial impact of over $1 million in fines can be devastating for any company, especially one found to have willfully neglected worker safety. Beyond the immediate monetary penalties, the company will likely face reputational damage, decreased worker morale, and potential litigation from affected employees. This case serves as a stark reminder for businesses across all industries that compliance with OSHA’s standards is not optional. Regular audits, safety inspections, and employee training are essential to maintaining a safe work environment and avoiding costly penalties.

One of the most effective ways companies can ensure compliance with OSHA regulations is through the use of checklists and routine safety assessments. Implementing a thorough checklist system allows employers to monitor silica exposure, ensure that engineering controls are functioning correctly, and confirm that workers are using PPE properly. Our company specializes in helping businesses develop customized compliance checklists and safety programs that meet OSHA’s strict requirements. By partnering with us, companies can proactively address safety concerns, reduce the risk of fines, and protect their workforce from the harmful effects of silica dust exposure.

Investing in comprehensive safety programs not only fosters a culture of safety but also ensures long-term operational success. By prioritizing compliance and worker health, businesses can avoid the high costs of non-compliance and create a safer, more productive work environment.

Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Safety in Agriculture and Food Processing

Agriculture and food processing are two of the most hazardous industries, with workers frequently exposed to a variety of risks, including heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, and repetitive motion injuries. Ensuring worker safety in these environments has always been a challenge, but the advent of emerging technologies offers new opportunities to enhance safety and prevent injuries. Integrating these technologies into everyday operations can significantly reduce accidents, improve early detection of hazards, and provide better support for workers. As industries look to innovate, the role of technology in fostering safer workplaces is becoming increasingly important. The focus is shifting from traditional safety measures to more sophisticated, tech-driven solutions that offer real-time data, predictive analytics, and automated responses to potential dangers.

Current Safety Challenges in Agriculture and Food Processing

Workers in agriculture and food processing face numerous safety challenges. In agriculture, common injuries include those caused by machinery such as tractors and harvesters, exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, and the physical strain from repetitive tasks like lifting and bending. Additionally, outdoor workers are exposed to environmental hazards such as extreme weather, which can exacerbate the risk of accidents. Meanwhile, in food processing, employees are often at risk from slips, trips, falls, and machinery-related accidents, as well as repetitive strain injuries due to continuous manual operations. These environments also have to manage risks associated with temperature control, such as cold rooms, which can lead to hypothermia or frostbite if not managed properly.

Existing safety protocols, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), safety training, and routine inspections, have been instrumental in reducing incidents. However, these measures have their limitations, particularly in dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly. For instance, a sudden machinery malfunction or unexpected chemical exposure may not be immediately noticeable, increasing the risk of injury. Moreover, human error is a significant factor; even well-trained employees can make mistakes under stress or fatigue. There is a growing need for more proactive and adaptive safety solutions that can provide real-time monitoring and immediate intervention, enhancing the ability to prevent incidents before they occur.

Technologies Enhancing Safety

Emerging technologies are stepping up to fill the gaps left by traditional safety measures, providing innovative solutions to longstanding challenges in these industries. Automation and robotics, for example, are being used to handle repetitive or dangerous tasks, reducing the risk of injury to human workers. Automated systems can perform tasks like sorting, packing, and transporting goods with greater precision and consistency, minimizing the need for manual intervention and lowering the risk of human error. These systems can be equipped with sensors that detect anomalies or potential hazards, automatically stopping operations to prevent accidents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are also making significant contributions to workplace safety. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, such as sensors and cameras, to detect potential hazards before they lead to accidents. AI-powered systems can monitor machinery for signs of wear and tear, predict when maintenance is needed, and even shut down equipment automatically if a dangerous condition is detected. Additionally, AI can be used to analyze patterns in incident reports and near-misses, providing insights into common hazards and helping to develop more effective safety protocols.

Wearable technology is another area where significant advancements are being made. Wearables, such as smart helmets, vests, and wristbands equipped with sensors, can monitor workers' vital signs and environmental conditions, providing real-time alerts if there is a risk of heat stress, chemical exposure, or other hazards. These devices can also track physical movements to ensure proper ergonomic practices are being followed, helping to prevent repetitive strain injuries. In some cases, wearables are equipped with GPS tracking to monitor the location of workers, particularly in remote or high-risk areas, allowing for quicker response in emergencies.

Drones are increasingly used in agriculture to monitor large fields, assess crop health, and detect hazards such as chemical spills or uneven terrain that could pose risks to workers. By providing an aerial view, drones can quickly identify issues that would be difficult or time-consuming to spot from the ground. This technology not only enhances safety but also improves operational efficiency by allowing for quicker decision-making and response.

By integrating these technologies, companies in the agriculture and food processing sectors can create safer working environments, reduce downtime caused by accidents, and foster a culture of safety that benefits both workers and employers. The combination of automation, AI, wearables, and drones offers a comprehensive approach to safety that addresses multiple facets of workplace hazards.

Implementing Safety Technologies: Best Practices

To successfully integrate new safety technologies, employers must take several steps to ensure they are effectively incorporated into existing safety programs. First, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the workplace to identify specific areas where technology can provide the most benefit. This includes evaluating current safety protocols, identifying common hazards, and understanding the unique needs of the workforce. Employers should consider the specific challenges of their environment and choose technologies that are best suited to address those challenges.

Once the appropriate technologies are identified, training is key. Workers need to be educated on how to use new equipment, interpret data from sensors and wearables, and respond to alerts generated by AI systems. This training should be comprehensive, covering both the technical aspects of the technology and the safety procedures associated with its use. Employers should also provide ongoing training to keep workers updated on new features and best practices. This continuous learning approach ensures that employees remain competent and confident in using the new technologies, thereby maximizing their effectiveness.

Compliance is another important consideration. Employers must ensure that the implementation of new technologies aligns with regulatory requirements and industry standards. This may involve working closely with technology providers to customize solutions that meet specific safety needs while also adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. Additionally, employers should establish clear policies and procedures for the use of these technologies, including how data will be collected, stored, and used, to ensure transparency and maintain worker trust.

Employers should also foster a culture of innovation and safety by encouraging employees to provide feedback on the technologies and share ideas for further improvements. Engaging workers in the process can help identify potential issues early and create a sense of ownership over the safety program. Regular reviews and updates to the safety technology strategy are essential to adapt to new risks and technological advancements, ensuring that the safety program remains effective and relevant.

Future Implications and Industry Response

The adoption of emerging technologies in agriculture and food processing is expected to have profound long-term benefits. Beyond reducing injuries and improving safety, these technologies can lead to increased productivity, lower operational costs, and enhanced worker morale. As more companies recognize the value of investing in safety technology, we can expect to see a shift towards more data-driven, proactive safety strategies across these industries. The ability to predict and prevent accidents before they occur represents a significant advancement in workplace safety, moving from reactive to preventive measures.

Industry response to these advancements has been largely positive, with many companies already seeing the benefits of reduced injury rates and improved safety outcomes. Case studies from early adopters highlight the effectiveness of these technologies in preventing accidents and promoting a culture of safety. For instance, several agricultural firms have reported significant reductions in machinery-related injuries after implementing automated systems and wearable devices. Similarly, food processing companies have seen improvements in worker safety and productivity through the use of AI-powered monitoring and analysis tools.

Moving forward, the continued integration of emerging technologies will be crucial in addressing the evolving safety challenges in agriculture and food processing. By staying ahead of the curve and embracing innovation, companies can ensure a safer, healthier, and more productive future for their workers. As technology continues to evolve, new solutions will emerge, offering even greater potential to enhance safety and protect workers. The key will be for companies to remain agile and open to adopting these new technologies, continually improving their safety programs to adapt to changing conditions and emerging risks.