PFAS Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) TOF testing

Due to the harmful effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), legislation is now in force globally to restrict their manufacture and use, with a view to their gradual phase out.

Global regulations range from the banning of certain individual substances to restricting PFAS overall presence in samples.

Total Fluorine and Total Organic Fluorine Testing

PFAS is a group of over 10,000 individual chemicals, making them difficult to test for. Traditionally regulations restrict the use of a list of specific PFAS chemicals, but more recently both testing and some legislations require verification of the level of all PFAS present.

This need to measure total PFAS in a sample has led to the development of tests for Total Fluorine (TF) and Absorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) or the Extractable Organic Fluorine (EOF), which in turn are used to indicate PFAS levels within a sample.

Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) test for consumer products including textiles, apparel and footwear

Eurofins offers Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) testing, a method providing an accurate and precise measurement of total PFAS levels present within consumer products including textiles, apparel and footwear, and environmental sample matrices.

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.

As TOF testing looks at total PFAS rather than individual PFAS chemicals in a matrix, it can help you gain compliance with both current and future regulations.

How can PFAS TOF testing help

TOF testing can accurately determine PFAS content within samples and can be used to achieve compliance, assuring customer and worker safety, and help to create a more sustainable and responsible supply chain.

Eurofins offers TOF testing on a wide variety of matrices which includes consumer products and environmental samples. Contact us to day to find out more or visit our PFAS testing page to understand the matrices Eurofins global network of laboratories can test for PFAS contamination.

Frequently asked questions about Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) TOF testing

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.