Host Paul K. Boyce, PE, PG, President and CEO of P.W. Grosser, speaks with Chris Wenczel, PG, Senior Project Manager, about the long history and quiet spread of forever chemicals, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), across modern products and infrastructure. In Episode 73 Part 1, they trace how firefighting foams, floor finishes, and cleaning practices helped move PFAS from industrial sites into everyday settings. The discussion highlights early gaps in health research, including the reality that serious study did not begin until roughly 2015, and contrasts the current federal drinking water level of 4 parts per trillion with wastewater concentrations reported as high as 229,000 parts per trillion. As Chris notes, “we do not find out that something is harmful until we are down the road and it is already in the environment,” a pattern that shapes how regulators and communities now respond.

Visit pwgrosser.com/podcast to listen, learn more about PFAS in your surroundings, and be ready for Part 2 of this two part series.