PFAS is becoming a growing concern across construction, demolition, infrastructure, and remediation projects in Australia.
If you work in construction, environmental management, or demolition, understanding what PFAS is and where it can be found on job sites is increasingly important for compliance, environmental protection, and worker safety.
PFAS contamination can affect soil, groundwater, building materials, and even firefighting systems found on construction sites. Because these substances persist in the environment for decades, they require careful management during demolition, remediation, and site preparation works.
In this guide, we explain what PFAS is, why it matters, and where it is most commonly found on job sites.
What is PFAS?
PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, a large group of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in industrial processes and consumer products.
PFAS chemicals are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. Once released into soil or water, they can remain present for many years.
PFAS compounds were widely used because they have unique properties:
- Resistant to heat
- Resistant to oil and grease
- Highly water-repellent
- Chemically stable and durable
These characteristics made PFAS extremely useful across many industries, but they also make them difficult to remove once contamination occurs.
Today, PFAS is heavily regulated due to concerns about environmental contamination and potential health impacts.
Why PFAS Matters on Construction and Demolition Sites
PFAS contamination can affect soil, groundwater, waste materials, and building infrastructure. If these materials are disturbed during demolition or excavation, PFAS can spread across the site or into surrounding environments.
For contractors, developers, and environmental managers, PFAS must be carefully identified and managed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Improper handling can lead to:
- contaminated soil transport
- groundwater pollution
- environmental compliance breaches
- costly remediation requirements
- project delays
This is why environmental site assessments and contamination investigations are now a standard part of many development and demolition projects.
Where PFAS Is Commonly Found on Job Sites
PFAS contamination often originates from historical industrial activities, firefighting training areas, manufacturing sites, and certain building materials. Below are some of the most common locations where PFAS may be present.
1. Firefighting Foam Systems (AFFF)
One of the most common sources of PFAS contamination is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used in firefighting systems.
These foams were widely used in:
- airports
- military bases
- fuel storage facilities
- industrial plants
- chemical facilities
When AFFF foam is discharged during testing or emergency response, PFAS chemicals can seep into surrounding soil and groundwater.
Construction or demolition works near fuel storage areas, hangars, or industrial fire suppression systems often require PFAS contamination assessment.
2. Industrial Sites and Manufacturing Facilities
PFAS was widely used in manufacturing processes involving non-stick, waterproof, or heat-resistant products.
Sites that may contain PFAS contamination include:
- metal plating facilities
- chemical manufacturing plants
- textile factories
- electronics manufacturing sites
- industrial coating facilities
If demolition or redevelopment is planned for these types of properties, environmental consultants often conduct PFAS testing as part of the contamination assessment.
3. Landfills and Waste Disposal Areas
Older landfill sites may contain waste materials that include PFAS-treated products or industrial waste.
Over time, PFAS can leach into surrounding soil and groundwater through landfill leachate. Construction projects located near historic landfill sites may therefore encounter PFAS contamination during excavation or ground works.
4. Soil and Groundwater on Redevelopment Sites
PFAS contamination is frequently discovered during environmental site investigations conducted before redevelopment projects.
Soil contamination may occur when PFAS-containing materials have been used or disposed of historically. Once present, the chemicals can migrate through groundwater and affect surrounding areas.
This is why developers and contractors often perform:
- soil sampling
- groundwater testing
- environmental site assessments
before starting excavation or demolition work.
5. Certain Building Materials and Coatings
While less common than environmental contamination sources, PFAS has also been used in some building materials and surface treatments.
These may include:
- stain-resistant carpet treatments
- waterproof construction coatings
- certain paints and sealants
- protective fabric materials
When buildings are demolished or stripped out, these materials may need to be assessed for contamination risk.
How PFAS Is Identified on Construction Projects
PFAS contamination is usually identified during environmental due diligence or contamination assessments conducted before construction or demolition.
These assessments may include:
- Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
- Phase 2 contamination testing
- soil and groundwater sampling
- environmental risk assessments
Specialist environmental consultants analyse the samples to determine whether PFAS compounds are present and whether remediation or containment is required.
Managing PFAS During Demolition or Remediation
If PFAS contamination is discovered on a job site, it must be managed carefully to prevent environmental spread.
Typical management strategies include:
- controlled excavation of contaminated soil
- containment systems to prevent groundwater migration
- specialised waste transport and disposal
- environmental monitoring during construction
In many cases, demolition and remediation contractors must work closely with environmental consultants to ensure proper handling of contaminated materials.
The Growing Importance of PFAS Awareness in Construction
PFAS contamination is becoming an increasingly important issue in the construction, demolition, and infrastructure sectors. As environmental regulations continue to evolve, developers and contractors must be aware of potential contamination risks on redevelopment sites.
Understanding where PFAS may be present helps project teams plan ahead, reduce environmental risk, and avoid costly delays.
For projects involving industrial sites, airports, defence facilities, or redevelopment areas, PFAS assessment is now a key part of responsible site management.
Need Help Managing Contaminated Sites?
If your project involves demolition, remediation, or early works on potentially contaminated land, working with experienced contractors is essential.
Specialised demolition and remediation teams can assist with:
- controlled demolition in contaminated environments
- environmental compliance during site works
- coordination with environmental consultants
- safe removal of contaminated materials
Perfect Contracting acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isander people as Traditional Custodians of the country on which we live and work. We pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians and Elders past, present and future, and honour their connection to the land and ongoing contribution to society.