ITRC provides updated insights and technical knowledge on PFAS
ITRC provides updated insights and technical knowledge on PFAS
Get updated on the current PFAS knowledge, gaps and emerging issues with the ITRC PFAS Technical and Regulatory Web Guidance Document (PFAS-1).
The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) has released an updated and expanded version of its PFAS Technical and Regulatory Web Guidance Document (PFAS1), offering its most recent scientific insights, emerging concerns, and practical lessons learned from real-world PFAS projects.
February 25, 2026
ITRC has identified eight priority topics that highlight the most urgent knowledge gaps and emerging issues, offering readers a clear gateway into the complex scientific, regulatory, and environmental landscape of these persistent chemicals. These topics provide essential insight into how PFAS were historically used, how they move through the environment, and what their impacts may be on human and ecological health. They also explain the challenges associated with sampling and analysing PFAS, introduce the evolving field of treatment and remediation technologies, and address the growing concern around PFAS in biosolids as well as their interaction with microplastics. By exploring these eight topics, this document provides a comprehensive introduction to today’s most pressing PFAS issues and highlights the areas where further research and guidance are most needed. This collection of priority topics serves as an accessible starting point for anyone seeking up-to-date information to deepen their understanding of PFAS and to follow ongoing developments in science, policy, and environmental management.
To explore the full update, you can read ITRC’s PFAS-1 guidance.
Webinar 1 – 2026 The Australian PFAS Cauldron – Same Contaminants, Different Journey
Australia offers a highly relevant case study of how PFAS contamination challenges conventional approaches to environmental governance and risk assessment. This perspective was presented by Matthew Askeland, Principal Environmental Scientist at ADE Consulting Group, and Karl Bowles, Senior Principal Environmental Scientist at Jacobs and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland (QAEHS), both representing ALGA’s Emerging Contaminants of Concern Special Interest Group.
Webinar 2 – 2026 Drivers in the management of PFAS contaminated sites
Sweden has taken a proactive, science-based approach to managing PFAS-contaminated sites, particularly those originating from historical use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) at firefighting training areas. Since 2022, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has coordinated a governmental assignment, in collaboration with other authorities, to enhance understanding of PFAS pollution and develop effective remediation strategies. This work remains ongoing with several years of funding secured. Niclas Johansson, project manager for the Swedish government’s national initiative on PFAScontaminated sites (RUPFO), shared the project findings during the webinar.
Webinar 3 – 2026 PFAS Risk Evaluation in Soils and Excavated Materials in Flanders
Flanders has developed a practical, science-driven system for setting PFAS limits in soil and excavated materials. This approach carefully balances the protection of human health and the environment with the practical need for soil reuse. The framework was presented by Kaat Touchant and Ingeborg Joris from VITO the Flemish institute for technological research.
Webinar 4 – 2026 Emerging Contaminant Challenges in the New European Soil Monitoring Law
The European Soil Monitoring Law (Directive), published in the Official Journal on 26 November 2025 and entering into force on 16 December 2025 was presented by Esther Goidts, who is a soil scientist and seconded policy officer at the European Commission. Soils deliver critical ecosystem services—including food and biomass production, water purification, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support—yet most European soils are degraded, with contamination contributing to annual economic costs exceeding €50 billion. The Directive represents a landmark step toward achieving healthy soils across the European Union by 2050. Developed to address widespread soil degradation, the Directive establishes a coherent, integrated framework for monitoring soil health, enhancing resilience, and managing contamination.
Save the date for the EmConSoil Webinar Series on the 21st and 28th of April and the 5th and 12th of May!
A new EmConSoil webinar series is coming! Get ready for inspiring talks, cutting-edge insights, and practical solutions from leading experts in emerging contaminants, contaminated soils and environmental sustainability. Four sessions are planned at the end of April (21st and 28th) and beginning of May (5th and 12th) 2026 each time from 9:00 till 10:00 CET.
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