{"id":33291,"date":"2026-02-16T20:17:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T20:17:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/?post_type=news-and-insights&#038;p=33291"},"modified":"2026-02-16T20:17:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T20:17:49","slug":"microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"news-and-insights","link":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Microplastics vs. PFAS: What Is the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Start Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<section class=\"wysiwyg section-padding bg-white\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n        \n        <div class=\"row\">\n                            <div class=\"col-lg-8 columns js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                                        <p>Microplastics and\u00a0per- and polyfluoroalkyl\u00a0substances (PFAS) are two of the most persistent and widely discussed contaminants\u00a0found\u00a0in\u00a0the environment today. Their presence has\u00a0drawn the attention of\u00a0local communities,\u00a0businesses\u00a0and international regulatory bodies.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Understanding the\u00a0difference\u00a0between microplastics and PFAS\u00a0is\u00a0crucial for all stakeholders. This article\u00a0examines both\u00a0substances,\u00a0their\u00a0interactions\u00a0and the practical steps organizations can take to address emerging risks and adapt to evolving regulations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>What Are Microplastics?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Microplastics are tiny plastic particles\u00a0between 1\u00a0nanometer\u00a0and\u00a05 millimeters. They originate from two main source\u00a0categories:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Primary microplastics:\u00a0Intentionally manufactured small particles, like microbeads in cosmetics and industrial abrasives.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Secondary microplastics:\u00a0Plastic particles\u00a0that are a result\u00a0of the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as bottles,\u00a0bags\u00a0and synthetic textiles,\u00a0due to exposure to the\u00a0natural\u00a0elements or physical abrasion.\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These particles have\u00a0been detected in\u00a0water bodies, soil, air,\u00a0food\u00a0and drinking water.\u00a0Studies have shown that they\u00a0are capable of traveling\u00a0long distances, carried by water currents, wind, weather\u00a0events\u00a0and other atmospheric processes, allowing them to accumulate in remote regions like the Arctic and deep ocean trenches.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Polyethylene, polypropylene,\u00a0polystyrene\u00a0and polyvinyl chloride are among<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1359511325002405\">\u00a0the most common\u00a0microplastic\u00a0polymers<\/a>. These particles are highly resistant to degradation, persisting in the environment for decades.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The combination of widespread presence and persistence means that exposure to microplastics is\u00a0nearly unavoidable.\u00a0This has led to public interest in their potential health implications; however, evidence from toxicological and human epidemiological studies is limited and inconclusive.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-lg-4 columns js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                                        <div class=\"wysiwyg__links js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                        <div class=\"wysiwyg__links__top \">\n                                                        <h4>Related Services<\/h4>\n                                                                                    <ul class=\"js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                                                                <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/services\/remediation-and-materials-management\/pfas-and-emerging-contaminants\/\" target=\"_self\">PFAS and Emerging Contaminants<\/a><\/li>\n                                                            <\/ul>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                                                            <div class=\"wysiwyg__links__bottom\">\n                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/services\" target=\"_self\">View All Services<\/a>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                                                                <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- End Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<!-- Start Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<section class=\"wysiwyg section-padding bg-white-fog\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n                    <div class=\"wysiwyg__wrapper\">\n        \n        <div class=\"row\">\n                        <div class=\"col-lg-12\">\n                                                                                \n                                                <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"col-lg-12 js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                    <h2>What Are PFAS?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0PFAS\u00a0family includes\u00a0thousands of\u00a0man-made\u00a0chemicals that\u00a0possess\u00a0water-, grease- and stain-resistant properties. Because of these properties, PFAS are used for a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, food\u00a0packaging\u00a0and firefighting foams.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>These chemicals\u00a0have been\u00a0referred to as\u00a0persistent\u00a0because their carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest in chemistry, making them extremely resistant to degradation. They can<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/insights\/the-significance-of-pfas-in-the-atmosphere\/\">\u00a0travel long distances<\/a>\u00a0in air and water, entering environments far from their original source. They can leach from landfills, migrate through\u00a0groundwater\u00a0and persist in surface waters, making them difficult to\u00a0contain.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Certain long-chain\u00a0PFAS\u00a0(many\u00a0of which are no longer produced in the United States)\u00a0can\u00a0build up in the bodies of living organisms, including humans, over time \u2014 a process known as bioaccumulation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- End Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<!-- Start Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<section class=\"wysiwyg section-padding bg-white\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n                    <div class=\"wysiwyg__wrapper\">\n        \n        <div class=\"row\">\n                        <div class=\"col-lg-12\">\n                                                                                \n                                                <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"col-lg-12 js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                    <h2>What Are the\u00a0Similarities Between Microplastics and PFAS?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Microplastics and PFAS are not the same, but both\u00a0can be\u00a0persistent\u00a0and bioaccumulative, requiring specific treatment technology to remove them\u00a0from the environment. These characteristics\u00a0present\u00a0remediation challenges for treating contaminated environments.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Both substances are\u00a0man-made\u00a0or the result of\u00a0man-made\u00a0processes. Both\u00a0describe large categories of chemicals and substances,\u00a0making it impractical to assign specific characteristics to each\u00a0group.\u00a0Microplastics and PFAS are both commonly discussed in the\u00a0public press as being associated with a myriad of health effects, although findings are often\u00a0equivocal and influenced by confounding bias.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- End Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<!-- Start Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<section class=\"wysiwyg section-padding bg-purple\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n                    <div class=\"wysiwyg__wrapper\">\n        \n        <div class=\"row\">\n                        <div class=\"col-lg-12\">\n                                                                                \n                                                <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"col-lg-12 js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                    <h2>What Are the\u00a0Differences Between Microplastics and PFAS?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>A few of the main\u00a0differences between microplastics and PFAS\u00a0include:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Physical form:\u00a0Microplastics are solid particles. PFAS are chemicals that can exist in solid,\u00a0liquid\u00a0or\u00a0gaseous\u00a0forms.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Sources:\u00a0Microplastics come from\u00a0a wide range of sources,\u00a0like\u00a0plastic debris,\u00a0microbeads\u00a0and synthetic fibers. PFAS are\u00a0also released from a wide range of sources, including\u00a0industrial processes, consumer\u00a0products\u00a0and firefighting foams like<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/services\/remediation-and-materials-management\/pfas-and-emerging-contaminants\/\">\u00a0synthetic aqueous film-forming foam<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Regulations:\u00a0Some microplastics-containing products\u00a0are<a href=\"https:\/\/oceanservice.noaa.gov\/facts\/microplastics.html\">\u00a0subject to bans<\/a>, but\u00a0there are few\u00a0other regulations. PFAS are<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0045653525002437\">\u00a0being regulated<\/a>\u00a0in drinking water, food packaging, consumer products (at the state level)\u00a0and industrial discharges.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Persistence:\u00a0Both are highly persistent,\u00a0but the environmental persistence properties of PFAS have been documented for\u00a0at least 25 years,\u00a0whereas\u00a0the science\u00a0on\u00a0microplastics is\u00a0relatively new.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How Do Microplastics and PFAS Affect Health and Ecosystems?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Microplastics represent a heterogenous class of particles that vary by polymer, size,\u00a0shape\u00a0and additive chemicals that may present toxicity through different modes of action, such as particle-size effect and chemical-mediated effects in both animal and in-vitro studies.\u00a0Accordingly, general causation for some mechanistic endpoints is primarily supported by non-human evidence, while specific causation in humans requires quantification of exposure, biological\u00a0dose\u00a0and temporal relationship.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While multiple studies claim to report adverse health effects of PFAS exposure at some doses,\u00a0establishing\u00a0definitive human exposure thresholds that\u00a0clearly\u00a0correlate with health outcomes\u00a0remains\u00a0challenging.\u00a0For example, scientists and regulators have raised concerns that certain PFAS chemicals\u00a0may\u00a0contribute to a range of health effects at some exposure levels. Some studies claim\u00a0to link\u00a0specific PFAS to thyroid disruption, cardiovascular issues, reproductive impacts, reduced vaccine response, developmental\u00a0effects\u00a0and\u00a0liver toxicity.\u00a0A small number of\u00a0PFAS compounds are classified as possible or\u00a0probable\u00a0human carcinogens.\u00a0However,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0essential to reiterate that the PFAS family\u00a0comprises\u00a0thousands of different chemicals with a vast range of chemical structures, physical\u00a0properties\u00a0and toxicological profiles, all of which influence the potential health effects of a single compound.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Adding to the complexity, researchers have not\u00a0identified\u00a0a single biological mechanism\u2014or \u201cmode of action\u201d\u2014that explains\u00a0all of\u00a0the diverse health effects attributed to PFAS. This lack of a unifying explanation highlights just how broad and varied this chemical class is, and why it is\u00a0nearly impossible\u00a0to attribute\u00a0specific health effects to PFAS.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- End Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<!-- Start Block: acf\/innerpage-half-text-half-image -->\n\n<section class=\"half-and-half flex-row section-padding image-block-left bg-white text-column-one image-size-contain\">\n    <div class=\"half-and-half-image\">\n        <div class=\"half-and-half-image__wrap\">\n                                                <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03-how-do-microplastics-and-pfas-enter-the-body-rev01-rev01.jpg\" class=\"object-fit\" alt=\"03-how-do-microplastics-and-pfas-enter-the-body-rev01-rev01\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03-how-do-microplastics-and-pfas-enter-the-body-rev01-rev01.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03-how-do-microplastics-and-pfas-enter-the-body-rev01-rev01-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03-how-do-microplastics-and-pfas-enter-the-body-rev01-rev01-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/03-how-do-microplastics-and-pfas-enter-the-body-rev01-rev01-333x500.jpg 333w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"half-and-half-text\">\n        <div class=\"half-and-half-text__wrapper js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                                        <h2>How Do Microplastics and PFAS Enter the Body?\u202f\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Microplastics and PFAS are widespread and can enter the body through\u00a0multiple routes:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ingestion:<\/strong> The most common pathway into the body for both microplastics and PFAS is by eating and drinking. Microplastics are found in packaged food products, seafood, drinking water, table salt and even some fruits and vegetables. Trace levels of PFAS can be found in drinking water, accumulate in fish and meat and migrate from food packaging into food. PFAS are known to cross the placenta and have been found in breast milk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inhalation:<\/strong> Airborne microplastics can be inhaled and deposited in the lungs after being released from sources like synthetic textiles, tire wear and dust. PFAS can also be present in indoor air and dust, especially in homes with stain-resistant carpets or treated furniture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- End Block: acf\/innerpage-half-text-half-image -->\n\n<!-- Start Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<section class=\"wysiwyg section-padding bg-white\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n                    <div class=\"wysiwyg__wrapper\">\n        \n        <div class=\"row\">\n                        <div class=\"col-lg-12\">\n                                                                                \n                                                <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"col-lg-12 js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                    <h2>What Regulations Apply to\u00a0PFAS and Microplastics?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>The U.S. government<a href=\"https:\/\/oceanservice.noaa.gov\/education\/tutorial-coastal\/marine-debris\/md04.html\">\u00a0banned microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics<\/a>\u00a0in 2015, and several states have enacted\u00a0additional\u00a0restrictions on single-use plastics and microplastics in products. States like Michigan, New\u00a0Jersey\u00a0and California<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewg.org\/research\/national-pfas-testing\">\u00a0set their own PFAS limits<\/a>\u00a0for drinking water and are pursuing aggressive cleanup and monitoring programs.\u00a0Maine and Minnesota have\u00a0established\u00a0regulations that prohibit intentionally added PFAS in many consumer products, unless\u00a0approved through special\u00a0use\u00a0appeals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the European Union, microbeads in cosmetics are banned, and broader restrictions on<a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/commission\/presscorner\/detail\/en\/qanda_23_4602\">\u00a0intentionally added microplastics<\/a>\u00a0in products are being implemented. The EU has also been<a href=\"https:\/\/echa.europa.eu\/hot-topics\/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas\">\u00a0increasing restrictions on PFAS<\/a>\u00a0in most uses.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/pfas\/key-epa-actions-address-pfas\">\u00a0a plan to regulate PFAS<\/a>, including setting drinking water standards, requiring reporting of PFAS releases and funding cleanup efforts. While some of these regulations have been repealed and will be reevaluated, certain PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, remain designated as Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Hazardous Substances.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>What EHS&amp;S Strategies Can Organizations Use to Manage Microplastics and PFAS?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Organizations can take several practical EHS&amp;S steps to manage the risks of microplastics and PFAS:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Product stewardship\u00a0and\u00a0supplier audits:<\/strong>\u00a0Work with suppliers to identify sources of microplastics and PFAS in raw materials and finished goods.\u00a0This includes requesting detailed information on the chemical composition of materials and conducting on-site assessments of manufacturing processes.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Source control:<\/strong>\u00a0Evaluate\u00a0the\u00a0supply chain to\u00a0identify\u00a0PFAS and possible chemical alternatives. For critical PFAS in which no chemical alternatives exist, work with\u00a0regulators\u00a0to discuss product stewardship initiatives\u00a0and methods\u00a0to continue use while minimizing environmental and human exposure.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Engineering controls:<\/strong>\u00a0Upgrade water and wastewater treatment systems with filtration technologies, like activated carbon, reverse\u00a0osmosis\u00a0and ion exchange, to improve contaminant removal. Implementing closed-loop systems can also minimize the discharge of contaminated water.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Innovative detection:\u00a0<\/strong>Use AI-powered sensors,\u00a0high-resolution\u00a0analytical\u00a0methods\u00a0and other tools to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S2214158824000084\">\u00a0detect microplastics and PFAS<\/a>\u00a0at trace levels in environmental samples.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Remediation methods:<\/strong>\u00a0Explore\u00a0new approaches\u00a0such as\u00a0in situ foam fractionation\u00a0for removing PFAS and\u00a0filtration\/adsorption and electrocoagulation\u00a0for removing\u00a0microplastics. Researching and piloting these methods can lead to more effective and sustainable remediation strategies.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Waste management:\u00a0<\/strong>Implement best practices for plastic recycling, landfill\u00a0management\u00a0and hazardous waste disposal to minimize environmental releases. This includes proper sorting and segregation of waste streams, as well as investing in advanced recycling technologies.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stakeholder engagement:<\/strong>\u00a0Communicate with regulators, customers, and communities about risks, monitoring results,\u00a0and mitigation efforts. Participate in industry groups and research initiatives to share knowledge and drive innovation.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What Are\u00a0Other\u00a0Emerging Contaminants?\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Microplastics and PFAS are part of a broader<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0147651324004962\">\u00a0class of emerging synthetic contaminants<\/a>\u00a0that also includes phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals are often used in plastics and consumer products, and like microplastics and PFAS, they can contaminate air, water,\u00a0dust\u00a0and food.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Phthalates and BPA\u00a0have been\u00a0speculated\u00a0to\u00a0impact\u00a0hormonal health,\u00a0although further research is needed to fully characterize the impacts of these chemicals on human and environmental health.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Successful EHS&amp;S management must consider the full spectrum of emerging contaminants, their sources,\u00a0and their interactions to protect consumers and organizations while contributing to a cleaner, safer future.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- End Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<!-- Start Block: acf\/innerpage-accordion -->\n<section class=\"fx-accordion js-accordion section-margins\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n        <div class=\"fx-accordion-flex\">\n                        <div class=\"fx-accordion-top-content js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                <div class=\"fx-accordion-top-content__inner\">\n                    <h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p>Do you have further questions about microplastics and PFAS? Learn more:<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"fx-accordion-right\">\n                <div class=\"fx-accordion__panels js-animated-content animated-content\">    \n                                        <article class=\"fx-accordion__panel js-accordion-item icon--collapse\" data-accordion-id=\"0\">\n                        <button class=\"fx-accordion__panel__toggle js-accordion-headline\" type=\"button\" data-accordion-id=\"0\">Are PFAS and Microplastics the Same Thing? <\/button>    \n                        <div class=\"fx-accordion__panel__content\">\n                            <p>No. Microplastics are solid plastic particles, while PFAS are a family of synthetic chemicals. However, since both are prevalent and can be persistent, they may co-occur in the environment.<\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/article>\n                                        <article class=\"fx-accordion__panel js-accordion-item\" data-accordion-id=\"1\">\n                        <button class=\"fx-accordion__panel__toggle js-accordion-headline\" type=\"button\" data-accordion-id=\"1\">Can Microplastics and PFAS Be Removed from Drinking Water? <\/button>    \n                        <div class=\"fx-accordion__panel__content\">\n                            <p>Most home water filters, including\u00a0those with activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems, can remove\u00a0a significant portion\u00a0of microplastics, although\u00a0not all. Advanced filtration methods like activated carbon, reverse\u00a0osmosis\u00a0and ion exchange are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2405665025000976\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">effective for some PFAS<\/a>, but not all. No filtration method is 100% effective\u00a0in\u00a0removing\u00a0types\u00a0of microplastics and PFAS from water, although many advanced filtration systems can remove these contaminants down to the parts per trillion (ppt) level.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-33323\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04-no-filtration-method-is-100-percent-effective-rev01.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04-no-filtration-method-is-100-percent-effective-rev01.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04-no-filtration-method-is-100-percent-effective-rev01-300x130.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04-no-filtration-method-is-100-percent-effective-rev01-1024x445.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04-no-filtration-method-is-100-percent-effective-rev01-768x334.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04-no-filtration-method-is-100-percent-effective-rev01-1000x434.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/04-no-filtration-method-is-100-percent-effective-rev01-700x304.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/article>\n                                        <article class=\"fx-accordion__panel js-accordion-item\" data-accordion-id=\"2\">\n                        <button class=\"fx-accordion__panel__toggle js-accordion-headline\" type=\"button\" data-accordion-id=\"2\">What Industries Are Most at Risk for PFAS and Microplastics Liability? <\/button>    \n                        <div class=\"fx-accordion__panel__content\">\n                            <p>Industries\u00a0such as plastics, textiles\u00a0and electronics manufacturing, food processing, waste management, firefighting,\u00a0construction\u00a0and transportation are most at risk due to their use of PFAS-treated materials and the\u00a0potential for microplastic release.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If your organization\u00a0operates\u00a0in any of these industries, contact an<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/services\/environmental-health-safety-management\/strategic-health-sciences\/\">\u00a0expert consultant<\/a>\u00a0to understand and manage your contamination risks and mitigate potential liabilities.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/trccompanies.com\/contact-us\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33325 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05-trust-trc-for-science-backed-solutions-to-manage-contaminants-rev01.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05-trust-trc-for-science-backed-solutions-to-manage-contaminants-rev01.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05-trust-trc-for-science-backed-solutions-to-manage-contaminants-rev01-300x130.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05-trust-trc-for-science-backed-solutions-to-manage-contaminants-rev01-1024x445.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05-trust-trc-for-science-backed-solutions-to-manage-contaminants-rev01-768x334.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05-trust-trc-for-science-backed-solutions-to-manage-contaminants-rev01-1000x434.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05-trust-trc-for-science-backed-solutions-to-manage-contaminants-rev01-700x304.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/article>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- End Block: acf\/innerpage-accordion -->\n\n<!-- Start Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<section class=\"wysiwyg section-padding bg-light-gradient\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n                    <div class=\"wysiwyg__wrapper\">\n        \n        <div class=\"row\">\n                        <div class=\"col-lg-12\">\n                                                                                \n                                                <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"col-lg-12 js-animated-content animated-content\">\n                    <h2>Trust TRC for Science-Backed Solutions to Manage Emerging Contaminants\u00a0<\/h2>\n<p>Microplastics and PFAS\u00a0present\u00a0distinct environmental and human health risks. Their persistence,\u00a0alleged health risks\u00a0and regulatory scrutiny make them a top concern for EHS&amp;S professionals, businesses,\u00a0consumers\u00a0and regulators.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>By understanding these contaminants and how to manage them, organizations can protect their people,\u00a0reputation\u00a0and bottom line. But as research and regulations evolve, organizations need forward-thinking\u00a0expertise\u00a0and\u00a0the adaptability\u00a0to navigate emerging challenges.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>TRC is a multidisciplinary consulting partner. We deliver data-driven insights and actionable strategies for risk management, exposure\u00a0assessment\u00a0and regulatory compliance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Our Strategic Health Sciences team provides advanced exposure modeling, toxicology, epidemiology, and product stewardship support to help clients minimize liability, safeguard\u00a0communities\u00a0and make informed choices.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3>Get Started\u00a0Today\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p>TRC\u00a0represents\u00a0adaptability and\u00a0expertise\u00a0that\u00a0safeguard\u00a0our clients as regulations change. Contact us today to utilize TRC&rsquo;s proven practitioners and manage health risks with science-based solutions.\u00a0<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- End Block: acf\/wysiwyg -->\n\n<!-- Start Block: acf\/innerpage-cta-bar -->\n<section class=\"global-cta innerpage-cta default\">\n    <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n        <div class=\"global-cta-wrapper  \">\n                                            <h2>S&rsquo;adapter au <br>changement<\/h2>\n                                <div class=\"global-cta-image\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" width=\"316.566\" height=\"369\" viewBox=\"0 0 316.566 369\">\n                        <defs>\n                            <pattern id=\"pattern\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" viewBox=\"117.006 0 316.566 369\">\n                                <image preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid slice\" width=\"655.35\" height=\"369\" href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/043b4c82-renewables.jpg\"><\/image>\n                            <\/pattern>\n                        <\/defs>\n                        <path id=\"Union_8\" data-name=\"Union 8\" d=\"M72.087,369,206.869,190.294h109.7L182.891,369ZM0,195.818H68.4l28.66,44.507L68.4,286.43Zm0-10.747L68.4,94.466l28.66,46.1L68.4,185.071Zm205.769-6.365L72.087,0h109.7L316.566,178.706Z\" fill=\"url(#pattern)\"\/>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"global-cta-content\">\n                    <p>Collaborez avec les praticiens test\u00e9s de TRC<\/p>\n                    <p>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/trccompanies.com\/contact-us\/\" title=\"Contact Us\" class=\"btn btn-primary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact Us<\/a>                    <\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                        \n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- End Block: acf\/innerpage-cta-bar -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Microplastics and\u00a0per- and polyfluoroalkyl\u00a0substances (PFAS) are two of the most persistent and widely discussed contaminants\u00a0found\u00a0in\u00a0the environment today. Learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":33318,"template":"","tags":[1117,268],"news-and-insights-category":[363],"services-category":[993],"custom_category":[1013,1012],"class_list":["post-33291","news-and-insights","type-news-and-insights","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-pfas","tag-pfas-and-emerging-contaminants","news-and-insights-category-insights","services-category-remediation-materials-management","custom_category-commercial-industrial-markets","custom_category-water"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Microplastics vs. PFAS: What Is the Difference? - TRC Companies<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the key differences between microplastics and PFAS and practical strategies organizations can use to manage emerging risks.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_CA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Microplastics vs. PFAS: What Is the Difference? - TRC Companies\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the key differences between microplastics and PFAS and practical strategies organizations can use to manage emerging risks.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TRC Companies\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-16T20:17:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01-microplastics-vs-pfas-rev01.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimation du temps de lecture\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/\",\"name\":\"Microplastics vs. PFAS: What Is the Difference? - TRC Companies\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01-microplastics-vs-pfas-rev01.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-16T20:17:46+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-16T20:17:49+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn the key differences between microplastics and PFAS and practical strategies organizations can use to manage emerging risks.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01-microplastics-vs-pfas-rev01.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01-microplastics-vs-pfas-rev01.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":600},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/\",\"name\":\"TRC Companies\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Microplastics vs. PFAS: What Is the Difference? - TRC Companies","description":"Learn the key differences between microplastics and PFAS and practical strategies organizations can use to manage emerging risks.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/","og_locale":"fr_CA","og_type":"article","og_title":"Microplastics vs. PFAS: What Is the Difference? - TRC Companies","og_description":"Learn the key differences between microplastics and PFAS and practical strategies organizations can use to manage emerging risks.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/","og_site_name":"TRC Companies","article_modified_time":"2026-02-16T20:17:49+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01-microplastics-vs-pfas-rev01.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Estimation du temps de lecture":"1 minute"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/","url":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/","name":"Microplastics vs. PFAS: What Is the Difference? - TRC Companies","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01-microplastics-vs-pfas-rev01.jpg","datePublished":"2026-02-16T20:17:46+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-16T20:17:49+00:00","description":"Learn the key differences between microplastics and PFAS and practical strategies organizations can use to manage emerging risks.","inLanguage":"fr-CA","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-CA","@id":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/insights\/microplastics-vs-pfas-what-is-the-difference\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01-microplastics-vs-pfas-rev01.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/01-microplastics-vs-pfas-rev01.jpg","width":1200,"height":600},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/","name":"TRC Companies","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-CA"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-and-insights\/33291","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-and-insights"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news-and-insights"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-and-insights\/33291\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33318"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33291"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33291"},{"taxonomy":"news-and-insights-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-and-insights-category?post=33291"},{"taxonomy":"services-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services-category?post=33291"},{"taxonomy":"custom_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trccompanies.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/custom_category?post=33291"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}