PFAS: Ensuring Data Accuracy in the Age of Forever Chemicals

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a ubiquitous group of chemicals with far-reaching effects. Understanding PFAS is crucial, as these "forever chemicals" continue to impact our health and environment. For scientists, there's an extra concern: PFAS can contaminate samples, potentially skewing the data. In this quick read, we'll explore their origins, potential harms, regulations, and impacts on data quality.?

What is PFAS???

PFAS chemicals are a large family of over 4,700 synthetic molecules, recognized for their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been popular for their exceptional resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. This has made them a common choice for a wide range of consumer products. But the very durability that makes PFAS so useful is also why they stick around in the environment for so long.?

How is PFAS used???

We come across PFAS in our daily lives without even realizing it. The non-stick properties of cookware, the grease resistance in fast food packaging, and the water repellency of raincoats all owe their functionality to PFAS. These chemicals are also found in certain cleaning products and are essential in high-performance firefighting foams used to fight oil and gasoline fires.?

Where do PFAS come from???

PFAS find their way into the environment from industrial processes and the manufacturing of PFAS-containing products. They can be released through waste streams, and their stability means they can build up over time. Because of their widespread use, PFAS have been found in different environmental samples like dirt, water, and even the air we breathe.?

Are PFAS harmful???

PFAS can cause significant environmental and health issues due to their persistence. They accumulate in wildlife, leading to ecological damage, and can contaminate water supplies, posing risks to all life forms. Human exposure to PFAS has been linked to adverse health outcomes, such as reproductive and developmental problems, hormonal disruptions, and increased cancer risks, according to agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).?

What are PFAS regulations???

In response to the potential dangers of PFAS, regulatory bodies in the US and EU are stepping up with controls on their use. The EPA has established health advisories for certain PFAS and is developing broader regulations, while the EU plans to phase out non-essential PFAS uses by 2030. These efforts reflect a growing consensus on the need to manage PFAS risks effectively.?

How is PFAS testing done???

PFAS testing typically involves collecting environmental samples—such as water, soil, or air—and analyzing them using advanced techniques like liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This method allows for the precise detection and quantification of PFAS compounds, even at very low levels. Samples must be carefully handled and processed to avoid any contamination that could affect the accuracy of the test results.?

How does PFAS affect analytical data??

Sensitive analytical methods, particularly in environmental monitoring and toxicological studies, face a high risk of PFAS contamination. Techniques like liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, essential for detecting trace pollutants, may be affected if PFAS are present in solvents or equipment, leading to less reliable results.??

How does PFAS enter the lab??

Common sources include lab equipment and packaging materials that inadvertently carry these chemicals. Lab personnel can also unknowingly bring these chemicals into the lab on everyday items like clothing and personal care products. One significant source of PFAS in the lab is the water used for experiments, which, if not adequately treated, can introduce these chemicals into samples.??

Can PFAS be removed from water???

Removing PFAS from water is a complex task, but advancements in technology are making it possible. Systems like Sartorius’ Arium? lab water systems utilize multi-stage treatment processes to reduce PFAS to undetectable levels, ensuring the highest water quality standards. Such systems are crucial for both environmental remediation and laboratory analyses, where ultrapure water is vital for sample integrity.?

Keep learning about PFAS contamination by checking out the sample preparation tips in this neat infographic.

Or, watch this webinar on how to keep PFAS out of your lab water (teaser below).

Do you have any questions or want to learn more about the Arium? Ultrapure Water Systems? Get in touch with a Sartorius expert now.