Perma-Fix Successfully Completes Pilot Plant Testing and Unveils New Process for Destruction of PFAS “Forever Chemicals”

ATLANTA, April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: PESI) (the “Company”) today announced it has successfully completed pilot plant testing on its new, patent-pending process for the destruction of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS compounds do not degrade over time through any natural process or environmental conditions, bioaccumulate, and are harmful to humans and the environment. The tests were designed to demonstrate the destruction of commercial quantities of PFAS-contaminated liquids and better define the parameters needed to construct the first commercial unit.

The Company’s prior bench-scale testing of PFAS compounds demonstrated that the process is effective and can be applied to a variety of potential markets, including liquids, solids, soils, biosolids, and sludges. The new pilot plant operates in a closed system under mild conditions.

Present disposal options for PFAS liquids include deep wells, incineration and landfills, all of which have serious environmental liability issues. We expect that the Perma-Fix’s process will virtually eliminate PFAS compounds (minimum of 99.9999% destruction) and reduces the environmental liability associated with these materials. Additionally, the process is designed to operate at a highly competitive price compared to traditional disposal options.

According to a recent article in Barron’s the estimated cleanup cost for PFAS compounds could exceed $200 billion. A recent study from the U.S. Geological Survey found that “forever chemicals” were present in about 45% of U.S. tap water. Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women; developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes; increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers; reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response; interference with the body’s natural hormones; and increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity. Last year, manufacturer 3M agreed to a $10.3 billion settlement over water pollution claims involving their use of PFAS.