PFAS (Poly and Per fluoroalkyl) analysis

PFAS stands for Poly and Per fluoro alkyl substances. This broad range group consists of around 6000 substances including PFOA (perfluoro octanoic acid), PFOS (perfluoro octane sulfonate) and many more. We might have heard that PFAS is the emerging drinking water contaminant. PFAS group substances are man made or synthetic designed for achieving specific properties like water repellence, and fire resistance. These group of chemicals have been widely used in various industries since 1950s.

PFAS group of chemicals finds applications in many including, but not limited to -

Food packaging materials, coating additives
Non stick cookware
Various kinds of fabric
Furniture, paint and carpet stain protection applications
Clothing
Cosmetics
Industrial processes
Fire-fighting foam
Chrome plating processing
Cleaning products and pesticides
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)

These substances are very persistent and movable in the environment and have been suspected of being dangerous to human health. Few reports suggested that they may enter our body through many routes and one of the most important way is food packaging material.

Important thing to be noted regarding PFAS group substances is that there is no strong, consistent proof that these substances can cause adverse health effects to humans. But experts recommend that minimal exposure to PFAS will be a precautionary measure to minimise the risk, if applicable.

Safety issues associated with PFAS and related substances

PFAS substances are considered as emerging contaminant in drinking water. Ground water samples collected from firefighting foams used areas showed significant amount of these chemicals during analysis.

PFAS Substances, majorly PFOS and PFOA, have been existing in the environment for more than 50 years. They are present in significant quantities in water and soil, but also found in birds, mammals and even human blood.

For PFOS substances, there are no specific federal regulations established for drinking water. In 2016, the EPA released drinking water health advisories of 70 parts per trillion for the sum of PFOS and PFOA in order to protect Americans from adverse health effects caused over a long term of exposure. Other countries have established and implemented regulations for a diverse range of PFAS compounds. Still the development of standard regulatory guidance for PFAS compounds is finding its way.

Although much research work needs to be done, apart from existing data, the most consistently reported human health outcomes associated with PFAS exposure are increased serum lipids especially cholesterol, reduced birth weights, reduced immune response to vaccines, and increased serum liver enzymes indicative of liver damage. Other health outcomes reported in some highly exposed group of people, but not others include thyroid disease and testicular and kidney cancer.

Benefits of Eurofins analytical services

Eurofins group of network laboratories has had a wealth of experience in the analysis of PFAS in all matrices including

Drinking water
Soil, Sediments and other solids
Food, packaging and dairy
Ground water and surface water
Air and emissions
Biota, vegetation
Commercial products
Waste water, sludge, biosolids

Eurofins offer analysis for a range of PFAS substances, including but not limited to -

Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids
Perfluoroalkyl sulfonates
Perfluorooctane sulfonamide
Perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acids
Perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanols
Fluorotelomer sulfonates

Our capabilities

TOP (Total Oxidizable Precursors) Assay
Appropriate analyte lists
Isotope dilution and recovery connection
Multi-matrix compatibility
Accuracy and precision independent of concentration
Carefully researched and validated sample handling

We perform analytical services on varied matrices including food packaging materials, coating additives, drinking water, groundwater, soil, and consumer products using LC/MS/MS and HRMS technologies.

Methods commonly used for PFAS testing:

USEPA 537 Determination of Selected Per fluorinated Alkyl Acids in Drinking Water by SPE and LC/MS/MS
USEPA Draft Method 821-R-11-007 utilising solid phase extraction (for water) and LC-MSMS detection
United States of America’s Department of Défense (DoD) Environmental Data Quality Workgroup (EDQW) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Consolidated Audit Program (DOECAP) Operations Team developed the Quality Systems Manual (QSM) for Environmental Laboratories. Version 5.1 January 2017
ISO 25101, Determination of perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) - - Method for unfiltered samples using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
ASTM D7968, Standard Test Method for Determination of Polyfluorinated Compounds in Soil by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)
ASTM D7979, Standard Test Method for Determination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water, Sludge, Influent, Effluent and Wastewater by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)
ASTM F2931, Standard Guide for Analytical Testing of Substances of Very High Concern in Materials and Products

Advantages of Eurofins in food testing

Competence Centres with state-of-the-art equipments
Fast turn-around time (TAT)
Local contact with a Global Network
Participation in industry associations and regulatory bodies allowing early advice on potential food scares and legal obligations
Expert advice - testing schemes, on-site-check for hygiene and allergens, labelling advice and traceability
Results you can rely on