PFAS testing (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

These fluorine-containing chemicals are incredibly stable due to strong chemical bonds between the carbon and multiple fluorine atoms. This stability offers interesting chemical properties such as excellent water and soiling repellence. However, this stable chemical structure means that they do not easily degrade and will persist in the environment.

PFAS are in the spotlight because of their bio-accumulative behaviour and associated health concerns, with many compounds showing high toxicity and some considered substances of very serious concern according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Thanks to so-called, forever chemicals, there is mounting concern on a global level about existing contamination levels and, consequently,  imposing widespread restrictions. Legislation, NGO activity, industry and consumer pressure is resulting in a widespread control of PFAS in consumer products, even total bans in some industries.

Eurofins have a range of services to support PFAS control, including material and product testing and supply chain support.

Environmental matrices we perform PFAS testing on

• Consumer Products including, but not limited to, textiles, apparel, footwear, furniture, accessories, Electrical & Electronics (E&E)
• Food, feed and agricultural products
• Water; Drinking water, groundwater and wastewater
• Soil, sediment and leachate
• Plant materials
• Air
• Tissue, biosolids and blood/serum
• Emulsions and fluoropolymer dispersions
• Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)

PFAS supply chain risk management services

• Targeted testing using LCMS/MS for all listed PFAS substances according to main global specifications and standards, including ISO/AFIRM/AAFA
• Total Fluorine (TF) and, or, Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) screening for all fluorine-containing chemicals using Combustion Ion Chromatography (C-IC) as an indicator of PFAS contamination
• Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) testing for PFAS in waters
• Novel PFAS polymer testing to determine the presence of C8 and C6 chemistry
• Chem-ST^TM smart testing chemistry services
• MRSL testing for PFAS in chemical formulations according to the ZDHC MRSL
• ZDHC Gateway listing certification (Level 1,2,3)
• Failure support and chemical substitution advice
• Supplier management support
• PFAS training and awareness
• Prop 65 screening

Total Fluorine (TF) and Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) PFAS Screening

The number of regulations already in force and forthcoming that restrict the manufacture and use of PFAS is rapidly increasing, to the point that relying on targeted PFAS testing will not be able to ensure compliance with all future regulations.

Some PFAS regulations already in force set limits on the presence of all PFAS.

Eurofins offers quantitative Total Fluorine (TF) and Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing services for a wide variety of matrices, including consumer products, which can be used to screen for the presence of all PFAS in your matrix.

As PFAS chemicals contain organic fluorine, if the detected level of TOF is greater than the regulated limit of PFAS in your matrix (e.g. > 50ppm, or >100ppm for many consumer products), further analysis such as targeted PFAS testing, can be used to determine which PFAS is present to help you cleanse your supply chain.

Benefits of Eurofins PFAS testing

• Create a sustainable, eco-responsible supply chain
• Supports science-based sustainability targets
• Compliance with global legislation and buyer specifications including Prop 65
• Reduced legal violations, fines, returns and reworks
• Worker and consumer safety assured
• Trusted partner with global reach

Frequently asked questions about PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

1. What are PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and why is PFAS testing important for sustainability?

PFAS are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals used in various products for their water and soil repellency. PFAS testing is crucial for sustainability because these “forever chemicals” persist in the environment, bioaccumulate, and pose potential health risks. Identifying and controlling PFAS through testing is essential for creating a sustainable and eco-responsible supply chain.

2. What types of materials can Eurofins Sustainability Services test for PFAS contamination?

Eurofins Sustainability Services offers PFAS testing services for a wide range of consumer products, such as textiles and apparel.

3. What PFAS testing services does Eurofins Sustainability Services provide?

Eurofins Sustainability Services provides a comprehensive suite of PFAS testing services including targeted testing for specific PFAS substances, Total Fluorine (TF) and Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) screening, Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) testing, novel PFAS polymer testing, MRSL testing, and Chem-ST(TM) smart testing chemistry services.

4. What is Total Fluorine (TF) and Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) screening, and why is it useful for PFAS assessment?

TF and TOF screening are broad-spectrum tests that detect the total amount of fluorine in a sample, indicating the presence of total PFAS content. This is useful because regulations are increasingly focusing on all PFAS, and targeted testing alone might not ensure full compliance.

5. How can EurofinsSustainability Services’ PFAS testing help with supply chain risk management?

Eurofins Sustainability Services offers services like supplier management support, failure support and chemical substitution advice, and PFAS training to help businesses identify and mitigate PFAS risks throughout their supply chain. We also offer ZDHC Gateway listing certification.

6. How can Eurofins Sustainability Services support compliance with global PFAS legislation through its testing services?

Eurofins Sustainability Services’ targeted PFAS testing uses LCMS/MS for listed PFAS substances, in accordance with global specifications and standards, including ISO/AFIRM/AAFA. Our testing can help ensure compliance with global regulations and associations, including Stockholm Convention, EU POPs Regulation, EU REACH Regulation, French and Danish PFAS bans, US Federal | EPA TSCA SNUR, California Proposition 65, US States PFAS Regulations, restrictions in Australia, Canada, China, Korea, and Japan.

7. What are the benefits of choosing Eurofins Sustainability Services for PFAS testing?

The benefits include creating a sustainable supply chain, supporting science-based sustainability targets, ensuring compliance, reducing legal risks, ensuring worker and consumer safety, and partnering with a trusted provider with global reach and specialist experience.

8. Does Eurofins Sustainability Services offer PFAS training and awareness programmes?

Yes, Eurofins Sustainability Services provides corporate training tailored to specific PFAS-related supply chains issues. We also offer on-demand webinars to increase awareness about PFAS and related concerns.

9. How can I contact Eurofins Sustainability Services to discuss my PFAS testing needs?

You can contact Eurofins Sustainability Services directly to discuss your specific PFAS testing needs and requirements.

10. Beyond PFAS testing, what other sustainability services does Eurofins Sustainability Services offer?

Eurofins Sustainability Services offers a complete suite of sustainability services, ranging from biodegradability testing, supply chain mapping, Chem-ST(TM) chemical smart testing, VOC testing, and more. We specialise in testing consumer products, including leather, textiles, paper, packaging, and plastics.

PFAS training

Want to know more? Contact us to enquire about PFAS corporate training to get expert advise tailored to your PFAS issue and supply chain, or watch our on-demand webinar.

Contact details

Contact us below today for all your PFAS testing needs.