Pesticides, Products, and Firefighting Foams: Integral Presents on Risk at SETAC

Integral Consulting scientists are sharing the results of studies and new approaches for risk assessment at the 40th annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). Held in Toronto, Canada, on November 3–7, 2019, the conference features exhibits, posters, and presentations from the world’s top scientists. Integral staff will host a display and provide information on job openings at Booth #509.

During poster sessions on November 4–6, Integral scientists will present:

• • • The results of an environmental risk assessment of polymers in cleaning products
    • An approach to assessing hazard from firefighting foams
    • An approach to support pesticide risk assessment.

On November 4, Paul DeLeo, Ph.D., will present “Environmental Stewardship Program for Polymers Used in Cleaning Products—Polycarboxylate Polymers.” During this poster session, he will describe the results of a screening level ecological risk assessment conducted for two polycarboxylate polymer families used in cleaning products: acrylic acid (AA) homopolymers and acrylic acid-maleic acid (AA-MA) copolymers. The study found that the potential ecological risk associated with current uses of polycarboxylate polymers in cleaning products in North America is low.

On November 5, Anthony Luz, Ph.D., will present “A Novel Approach for Assessing Hazard Associated with Firefighting Foams.” In this study, several short-chain and fluorine-free firefighting foams were analyzed for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and non-PFAS constituents. GreenScreen® hazard assessments indicate improved mammalian hazard profiles for short-chain PFAS and fluorine-free foams, but ecological concerns remain.

On November 6, Yasemin Atalay, Ph.D., will present “Chemical and Species Specific Application Rate vs. Response Simulations to Support Pesticide Risk Assessment.” Dr. Atalay will demonstrate how the area-under-the-curve (AUC) approach supports risk assessment procedures for pesticides and provides descriptive effects/response levels. This study found that the AUC approach provides a more complete and ecologically relevant characterization of the magnitude and timing of effects instead of a single point.

For more information on Integral’s services or presence at SETAC, contact Mala Pattanayek at mpattanayek@integral-corp.com.