June Bloom:

Harmful Algal Blooms on the Rise

Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County is one of the most recent victims of harmful algal blooms, demonstrating that current conditions are ideal for rapid cyanobacterial growth.

The algal bloom – one of the largest ever seen at the lake since 2003 – caused Metropolitan Water District (MWD) to close the lake to all recreational activities on June 21st due to concerns over high cyanobacteria counts.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally occurring components of freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. While algae and cyanobacteria provide aquatic communities with many benefits, as the old saying goes, “everything in moderation.” Under certain conditions, these organisms can grow rapidly causing “blooms.” Blooms become problematic because algae and cyanobacteria also produce harmful compounds, such as cyanotoxins and aroma compounds, which pose health risks to humans and animals. When blooms threaten human and environmental health, they are referred to as harmful algal blooms... (read more)

PFAS Report Released:

New CDC Data Intensifies Drinking Water Concerns

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released an 852-page review of the health risks of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The study suggests that current health advisories for PFAS, established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), may not be strict enough to address serious public health risks.

Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)—also known as Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)—are a diverse group of manufactured compounds frequently used as surfactants in industrial, consumer, military, and firefighting applications across the United States, such as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) firefighting products, textiles, carpeting, metal plating, paper food packaging, cleaning products, coating additives, and pesticides.

PFAS compounds exhibit distinctive chemical characteristics that make them stable in the environment and resistant to degradation, allowing them to bioaccumulate in soil, sediment, groundwater, and animal tissue over time. Two types of PFAS are particularly persistent: Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS and PFOA are fully fluorinated organic compounds which happen... (read more)

Leaders in the Industry:

Babcock Labs Addresses Regulatory Issues 

Next month Babcock Laboratories will help address regulatory issues on Capitol Hill and in Sacramento.

On Wednesday, July 18th, Babcock Labs’ Laboratory Director & Vice President, Brad Meadows, will speak before U.S. representatives in a Congressional Briefing on protecting public health, safety, and the environment. The briefing, sponsored by Congressman Moolenaar, will be presented by the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL), of which Babcock Labs is a member . The topics on which Mr. Meadows will speak include the advancement of green chemistry and new technology through industry collaboration with EPA, as well as protecting our drinking water supply and tracking unregulated contaminants. Other topics to be addressed during the briefing include the invaluable role commercial laboratories play in preserving and protecting the nation’s food supply and safety and supporting adequate supplies of critical medicines.

Concurrently, Babcock Labs’ CEO & President, Allison Mackenzie, will attend the July 18th meeting of the Environmental Laboratory Technical Advisory Committee (ELTAC) in Sacramento... (read more) 

In Case You Missed It:

Reminder: Babcock Labs
will be closed on July 4th in
observance of Independence Day 

Please note that Babcock Labs strictly adheres to sample acceptance criteria, pursuant to Standard Methods and regulatory requirements.
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