Testing Services

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California Pushes to Add PFAS

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Regulating PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is no easy task; there are almost 5,000 compounds in the PFAS family, and each compound impacts the environment and public health differently. But as new information about this class of chemicals comes to light, California is taking action. Last month, the state focused its attention on a particularly prevalent member of the PFAS universe—perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and this month the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) established new PFBS notification and response levels. But a federal rule proposed by the EPA may also have a significant impact on current and future California PFAS policies, especially for chemicals of emerging prominence like PFBS.

Over the past few years, PFAS have been the subject of increased legislative and scientific scrutiny. First manufactured in the 1940s, PFAS are used in products that resist heat, water, oil, stains and grease. Many of these products are now integrated into everyday items; furniture, carpets, food packaging, water-proof clothes, and non-stick cookware can all contain PFAS. A significant potential source of PFAS exposure may also occur in certain sources of drinking water. PFAS may contaminate water from a variety of sources, but industrial sites, landfills, wastewater treatment plants, military bases, and airports are all suspected sources of PFAS pollution. Once PFAS enter the water system, usually via discharge or leachate, these “forever chemicals” spread and linger within…

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Lead and Copper Rule

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) is proposing a revised Lead and Copper Rule to be implemented in 2024, or later. Revisions to the rule include modifications in sample collection for those sample sites with Lead Service Lines versus those without Lead Service Lines. A Lead Service Line is a lead pipe that connects tap-water service between a water main and house or building….

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California Braces for Possible Legionella Outbreak After Lockdown

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California businesses are reopening after the long lockdown. But our empty offices, hotels, restaurants, and gyms may have collected more than just dust; a deadly bacteria called legionella could be growing in the pipes.

Legionella pneumophila is one of over 58 strains of Legionella bacteria that flourish in showers, sinks, cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative water features, hot water tanks, and plumbing systems. When aerosolized droplets of Legionella pneumophila are inhaled, the bacteria causes a deadly form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' Disease. Although Legionnaires’ Disease is treatable with antibiotics, about 1 out of 10 people die from the illness; the elderly, smokers, and the immunocompromised are especially vulnerable. The CDC reported about 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in 2018, but experts believe the true number of cases is higher. Case numbers are also on the rise; the rate of reported cases grew ninefold from 2000 to 2018. Health officials remain unsure if the trend is an artifact of better testing or indicative of environmental and demographic factors like antiquated infrastructure and a larger elderly population. If the trend continues, the US may be on track for a historic number of cases in 2021; experts fear…

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Peek Behind the Federal Regulatory Curtain: PFAS and Changing Policies

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PFAS are at the top of our minds and our news feeds as scientists reveal more data about the impact of polyfluoroalkyl substances on our health and our environment. Environmental groups, scientists, laboratories, and politicians across the aisle agree; it’s time to legislate these “forever chemicals.” 2020 took some steps towards regulating PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS, which are known carcinogens and are linked to many other long-term health effects. But more work needs to be done. To help break down the federal government’s response to PFAS, here is a snapshot of recent news in the PFAS pipeline.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

On January 1, Congress overrode President Trump’s veto and enacted H.R. 6395 (NDAA), the authorization bill that directs spending for the Department of Defense (DoD) in conjunction with the FY 21 omnibus appropriations bill.

The 2021 NDAA addresses PFAS contamination on military bases and in military equipment. Multiple provisions follow-up on the 2020 NDAA provisions, which began phasing out AFFF (Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam) after studies linked AFFF with PFAS contaminated ground and drinking water on military bases and in surrounding communities. Follow-up actions include:

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Inland News Group Names Babcock Laboratories a Winner of the Inland Empire Top Workplaces 2020 Award!

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Babcock Laboratories (Babcock Labs) is honored to announce that it has been named a Top Workplace in the Inland Empire for the fourth year in a row!

On January 31, 2021, the Press Enterprise announced the 2020 Top Workplaces and designated Babcock Labs as a Top Workplace in the small business category. We feel this award recognizes and praises our employee-owners who have made and continue to make Babcock Labs a great place to work. 2020 heralded unprecedented challenges, and we are so proud of our team for adapting and thriving under these difficult circumstances.

The nationally recognized Top Workplace program was established in…

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Babcock Laboratories Found a More Permanent Home in Imperial County!

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Babcock Laboratories, Inc. (Babcock Labs) is pleased to announce the relocation of our service center in Imperial County. Effective Monday, December 14th, 2020, Babcock Laboratories, Inc. will be conveniently located in El Centro and will occupy a clean, modern, and easily accessed facility on 1550 Pepper Drive. We will continue to follow our current Imperial County operating hours and sample drop off time-windows until further notice. We are pleased to have found a more permanent home in Imperial County….