Emerging Contaminants

What are chemicals of emerging concern, and how can you prepare for emerging compliance requirements?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 6PPD, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, microplastics, nanoparticles, and other contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are receiving increasing attention in the media and from regulators over concerns about potential persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, leading to questions about their implications for human health and the environment. As regulations on emerging contaminants evolve and consumer scrutiny increases, it's imperative for manufacturers and distributors to thoroughly understand the chemical substances in their product supply chains and waste streams.

The complex global nature of contemporary supply chains makes assessing product composition particularly challenging, especially when it comes to identifying emerging contaminants at trace levels that may exceed the detection limits of validated, standardized analytical methods. Exponent scientists excel in the analysis and interpretation of complex chemical datasets, leveraging our knowledge of state-of-the-art equipment and highly sensitive methods such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), non-targeted analysis, and Raman spectroscopy.

CEC tracking and substitution strategies

Exponent provides unmatched support to clients managing CECs across industries and regulatory frameworks, including REACH, TSCA, RoHS, and CWA. We pair robust global tracking of regulatory activity and scientific research around chemicals of concern with chemical forensics and evaluations to understand the long-term impacts of emerging contaminants in the environment. We also assist clients in determining whether their products and processes are exempt from CEC regulations, either fully or partially, helping them understand the full scope of their responsibilities and potential liabilities within their complex supply chains.

Our multidisciplinary team, composed of expert chemists, chemical engineers, environmental scientists, toxicologists, biologists, data scientists, and industrial hygienists, specializes in identifying and characterizing emerging contaminants in products, supply chains, and waste streams. We guide our clients through CEC regulatory compliance, substitution strategies, legal challenges, and monitoring and remediation for new or legacy contamination.