Per-and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)
What are PFAS Compounds?
What are PFAS Compounds?
Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured compounds that are used in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. PFAS are also the principle components in Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) firefighting products that meet military specifications
PFAS compounds are used to repel oil and water in textile products like clothing, carpeting and furniture as well as in food packaging and in the manufacture of fluoropolymers used in non-stick cookware. Some of the unique chemical characteristics that make PFAS compounds attractive for use in surface coatings also render them resistant to biodegradation in the environment. Therefore, PFAS compounds are persistent and have been shown to bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife. PFAS compounds have been found throughout the environment in groundwater, surface water, soil and sediment. Studies have shown detections of PFAS in air, biota and food.
Leading the Industry in PFAS Analysis
When dealing with contaminants of emerging concern, it is vital that you work with an experienced laboratory capable of providing defensible data, especially due to the lack of a standard regulatory environment and the difference in reference methodology emerging. Utilizing industry-leading practices, Eurofins not only has dedicated laboratory space and instrumentation for PFAS analysis, but also dedicated teams who provide the highest quality results each and every time. There teams provide and unmatched level of experience, and a capacity to analyze tens of thousands of PFAS samples per month, across our Eurofins laboratories.
PFAS methodologies and regulations are continually evolving and additional compounds are identified and provinces continue to expand their testing requirements for these contaminants. With our dedicated teams, Eurofins is able to offer you the flexibility to develop and adapt to the continually changing analytical needs.
Eurofins Offers you:
- The ability to test a wide range of matrices for up to 75 PFAS compounds. 70 PFAS are supported from a single LCMSMS analysis with 5 FTOH PFAS supported by GC/MS/MS analysis.
- North America’s largest capacity with 40 instruments dedicated to PFAS analysis and a throughput of 50,000 samples per month.
- The use of gold-standard methods including EPA draft method 1633 as well as EPA 527.1 and 533.
- Dedicated sample preparation and cleanup space minimizing the chance of cross contamination.
- Laboratories dedicated to drinking water analysis that have been analyzing PFAS for over 12 years as well as additional drinking water testing capacity throughout our network of laboratories.
- Analysis of GenX and other perfluoro ether carboxylic acids (PFECA) used as replacement compounds.
- Analytical results that meet or exceed current regulatory and advisory limits.
- Multiple accreditations including CALA, DoD QSM, ISO 17025, NELAC and various provincial/ state specific programs.
Capabilities and Capacity:
Eurofins is a global leader in providing innovative and high-quality environmental analytical laboratory services. Our PFAS laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and instrumentation. With thousands of employees dedicated to environmental testing, Eurofins has the capacity and financial stability to meet your project needs.
We perform PFAS analysis on a variety of environmental matrices including:
- Air
- Sediment
- AFFF
- Drinking Water
- Leachate
- Emulsions and Fluoropolymer Dispersions
- Groundwater
- Tissue
- Wastewater
- Biosolids
- Food, feed and agriculture products
- Soil
- Consumer products
- Blood/serum
We use state-of-the-art LC/MS/MS instrumentation in support of trace-level reporting of PFAS contaminants as well as GC/MS/MS for the analysis of other emerging contaminants. Within our isolated PFAS laboratories, we run numerous dedicated systems over multiple shifts, giving us unmatched capacity for any project size. We have optimized our systems so that the data reported to you meets or exceeds all of the current regulatory or Health Advisory limits. We offer several analytical methods to meet provincial, state, federal and DoD criteria. The isotope dilution method can be utilized when testing potable water, non-potable water, soil/sediment, tissue and non-traditional matrices. To accommodate unique project reporting requirements, data can be provided in a client specific data deliverable format.
Our depth of knowledge, redundancy of systems and state-of-the-art facilities are key to our success in supporting the PFAS market. Eurofin’s reinvestment in the business ensures that we continue to offer highly sensitive methods, low reporting limits and compliance with method protocols meeting regulatory guidance over the duration of the client program.
PFAS General Info Handout
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PFAS Sampling Instructions
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Standard PFAS Compounds & Reporting Limits
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