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PyroGenesis Selected to Provide $9.2 Million Land-Based System to Destroy PFAS; An Emerging Hazardous Waste Stream
2021-10-28 10:34 ET - News Release
MONTREAL, Oct. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (https://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX: PYR) (NASDAQ: PYR) (FRA: 8PY), a high-tech company (hereinafter referred to as the “Company” or “PyroGenesis”), that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and address environmental pollutants, is pleased to announce today that it has been selected to provide a $9.2MM land-based system to destroy Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (“PFAS”) . The Client is a large operator of public water systems, whose name will remain confidential for competitive reasons.
PyroGenesis was recently informed that, after a competitive bidding process, it had been selected to provide its plasma based thermal process equipment in a two-phase project geared to providing a land-based system to destroy PFAS. The first phase is to provide pilot testing. The second phase is geared to a full fabrication, furbishing and commissioning of a fully commercial land-based system. The time to completion is, from the signing of the contract, approximately 6 months for the pilot system with the timeframe for the full system to be determined based on Phase 1. Work will not begin until a definitive agreement is signed by both parties. PyroGenesis is currently pursuing two additional opportunities within the same State in the USA.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been widely used in consumer products in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, construction, amongst others, for many decades. Products that may contain PFAS include nonstick cookware, stain resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics, water resistant clothing, cleaning products, personal care and cosmetics products and any other product that resist grease, water and oil1. Because of their widespread use and strong chemical bonds and properties, which account for their persistence in the environment, PFAS are proving to be persistent pollutants that affect humans and wildlife, as they are likely to be exposed to these chemicals by consuming contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS.
It has been documented that PFAS are synthetic chemical compounds that are increasingly being considered as an emerging contaminant. The term “emerging contaminant” isn’t defined in regulations but generally refers to pollutants for which there are concerns regarding public health effects and are either not regulated or only recently starting to be regulated. Considered harmful “forever chemicals”, these substances have been in the proverbial hot seat of regulators around the world.3 These substances are increasingly becoming a health concern worldwide as they were only recently designated emergent/hazardous substances. Studies have shown that PFAS exposure may interfere with the body’s natural hormones; increase cholesterol levels; affect the immune system; and increase the risk of cancer4. In fact, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has indicated that PFAS are found in the blood of 97% of Americans5.
“PFAS are obviously a waste stream that has to be addressed, and in short order. As such, we are extremely proud to have been selected, in a highly competitive bidding process, to provide our proprietary plasma-based environmental solution to this significant problem facing the world,” said Mr. P. Peter Pascali, CEO and Chair of PyroGenesis. “The significance of this announcement goes far beyond the announcement itself as it represents our first commercial land-based system sold outside of the military and has opened up a significant opportunity for our land-based offerings within this segment. Outside the needs of our current Client there are many companies facing the same challenge and we fully expect to be providing similar solutions to these entities as well.”