In an effort to counteract the potential environmental and public health hazards posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection rolled out a comprehensive environmental management strategy in November 2024. This strategy, now fully operational, mandates strict adherence to the environmental standards set forth by the Ministry, as per the country's Hazardous Substances Law. Factories involved in the production or utilization of PFAS chemicals are required to secure a toxic substances permit.
The policy outlines several additional stipulations aimed at mitigating the risks associated with PFAS usage. These include:
Management and Reduction of PFAS Compounds Usage:
- Companies are expected to provide comprehensive data on PFAS chemicals, including Safety Data Sheets, within a three-month window from the policy's implementation. Any products or processes potentially containing PFAS must undergo testing, with results submitted within half a year.
- A technical and economic evaluation must be undertaken by companies to explore alternatives to PFAS usage. A roadmap for reduction or substitution should be presented within a year of the policy's initiation.
- Companies are required to reassess their PFAS usage and update their reduction plans triennially, keeping in line with changing environmental norms and regulations.
Equipment and Operation Maintenance and Monitoring:
- Companies must perform regular equipment maintenance and inspections to prevent PFAS discharge, with a minimum of one visual check monthly.
- Procedures for managing PFAS leaks or wastewater should be established within six months.
Handling of PFAS-Containing Hazardous Waste:
- PFAS-containing waste must be stored separately and not mixed with other waste.
- Waste exceeding PFAS concentrations of 1 mg/kg should be treated as hazardous.
Monitoring and Sampling of PFAS in Industrial Wastewater:
- Regular PFAS monitoring in industrial wastewater is required. Quarterly sampling is required for production processes involving PFAS; biannual sampling for firefighting foam use.
- Certified professionals must conduct sampling and PFAS LC/MS/MS analysis following international standards.