What are PFAS chemicals?

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), commonly called forever chemicals, are man-made chemicals that have been used extensively for industrial and consumer product applications worldwide since the 1940s. PFAS are a group of nearly 15,000 chemicals [1] that can be found in the blood of humans and animals throughout the world due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulation.

Some of the most widely studied PFAS include:

perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)

[2]

While certain PFAS such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) have seen their use phased out in the United States, they are still produced and used in other countries worldwide. PFAS are used extensively in consumer products, including nonstick cookware, cosmetics, water, and stain-repellent clothing and furniture.

Why is PFAS testing important?

PFAS can be found worldwide in soil, water, and air and do not break down. Laboratories and agencies worldwide are actively studying PFAS toxicity to better understand the effects of exposures of varying concentrations on humans.

Exposure to PFAS can lead to numerous health issues, such as:

Thyroid disease
Increased cholesterol
Cancers, including kidney, testicular, and breast cancer
Liver damage
Numerous developmental effects on unborn children, including reduced vaccine response and lower birth weight

[3]

The full scope of PFAS effects on human health is difficult to quantify due to the varying degrees and routes of exposure. Exposure to multiple PFAS is also common, further complicating the process of quantifying the health effects of individual PFAS.

What instruments are used for PFAS testing?

The type of instruments used for PFAS testing will vary depending on the sample matrix. Final guidance on instrumentation is still pending for many matrices. Instruments currently used for PFAS testing can include:

Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)
Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LCMS)
Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GCMS)
Ion chromatography (IC)
Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS)

What are key considerations when purchasing PFAS testing instruments?

PFAS testing is currently performed using numerous instruments and is dependent on the sample matrix being analyzed. Before making purchasing decisions laboratories should first consult the most up-to-date guidelines or assays from their governing agencies. PFAS testing is prone to contamination during sample preparation and countermeasures should be taken to prevent it. Many laboratories employ automation solutions such as automated sample preparation systems or autosamplers to improve data quality and reduce the potential for contamination. Specific testing guidelines for PFAS will detail instrumentation requirements, including selectivity, sensitivity, and repeatability. These requirements should be considered when considering which instrument will be used for the PFAS analysis.

[1] ”Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS),” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm
[2] “What are PFAS?” Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/overview.html
[3] “Emerging chemical risks in Europe — ‘PFAS’,” European Environment Agency, https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/emerging-chemical-risks-in-europe/emerging-chemical-risks-in-europe