Area of Application

PFAS Analysis: Evidence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have special properties and are thus used in many industrial processes and products, such as textiles, household goods, firefighting, the automotive industry, food processing, construction, and electronics. The chemicals can now be found in the environment (rivers, lakes, soils) and in food (drinking water or other food). The substance group comprises more than 4,700 compounds, making it also an analytical challenge.

Further Links: PFAS Workflow X-TRACTION PFAS MIX-TRACTION D-EVA FREESTYLE SPE PFAS FREESTYLE XANA PFAS

PFAS: Risks to Health

As a result of the effects on the immune system (e.g. due to a reduced immune response to vaccinations), this substance group is subject to continuous monitoring by the authorities, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The first bans have been announced.

Further information on risk assessment and the determination of a tolerable intake can be found here:

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

The Most Well-Known PFAS Substance Groups:

PFOS and PFOA

Perfluorinated alkyl sulfonates – best-known representative: Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
Perfluorinated carboxylic acids – best-known representative: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

These chemicals were commonly used for decades due to their physicochemical properties (thermally and chemically stable, both water and grease-repellent), for instance in fire extinguishing foams, in the production/impregnation of outdoor clothing, in ski waxes, in the coating of food packaging, in make-up and lipsticks, etc. – to name just a few areas of application. PFAS can thus be found everywhere: in water, in soils, in dust, in food, and ultimately also in human blood.

Sample preparation