Сòòò½APP performs PFAS testing to precisely measure their presence in water, soil, waste products, foams, concrete and more. Our team support you by identifying PFAS compounds in parts per trillion to mitigate environmental contamination and protect human health.
What is PFAS?
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic organofluorine chemicals that have been widely used in industry and manufacturing since the 1940s, including applications such as non-stick cookware, stain-repellent clothing, fast food packaging, cosmetic make-up, and firefighting foams. They are found at many manufacturing and waste/wastewater treatment facilities as well as in the wider environment.
All PFAS have at least one fully fluorinated methyl (–CF3) or methylene (–CF2–) group, with the carbon-fluorine bonds (C–F) imparting high thermal stability and resistance to degradation, making them useful in a wide variety of products.
Why test for PFAS?
PFAS compounds are persistent and bio-accumulative, meaning they do not break down in the environment, and can readily migrate to the air, water, soil, and food. They are often known as 'forever chemicals' and are attracting widespread interest due to their harmful effects on human health.
As awareness in PFAS compounds emerged, regulatory interest often focused on Perfluorooctanesulphonic Acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), two of the most used PFAS substances. However there are >5,000 known PFAS and regulatory scope, customer demand and analysis capabilities, are expanding rapidly.
Key Benefits of PFAS testing with Сòòò½APP
- Comprehensive Analysis: Сòòò½APP provides PFAS testing across diverse samples, including water, soil, air, consumer products, and more.
- Low-Level Detection: Utilizing advanced technology, Сòòò½APP achieves detection levels in the parts per trillion range, ensuring precise identification even at trace concentrations.
- Regulatory Adherence: All testing follows USEPA methodologies, with ISO17025 accreditation for low-level PFAS testing in drinking water, as well as wastewater, soils, and other environmental matrices, ensuring compliance with recognized standards.
- Targeted Substance List: Сòòò½APP tests for up to 50 substances, aligning with US EPA, Health Canada, EU Drinking Water Directive and DWI requirements, meeting both regulatory and client-specific needs. We offer customized method development to identify PFAS substances not on target lists.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: Recent investment in advanced equipment, like the Agilent 1290 HPLC 6495 Triple Quadrupole MS, ensures accurate results. Our laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited, enhancing the reliability of results.
Our testing capabilities
We work closely with customers to deliver on the analyses to quantify PFAS compounds in the parts per trillion range. All testing is based on USEPA methodologies, samples include:
- Water
- Soil
- Waste products
- Firefighting foams
- Concrete
Сòòò½APP has offered PFAS testing by liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, since 2015. Сòòò½APP's Deeside (UK) laboratory has recently invested in an Agilent 1290 HPLC 6495 Triple Quadrupole MS, which can achieve the required regulatory detection levels without requirement for additional sample preparation. Deeside holds ISO17025 accreditation for the testing of Low Level PFAS in waters.
Сòòò½APP's Fort Wayne (US) facility has built an isolated PFAS laboratory with multiple state of the art Agilent HPLC triple quadropole MS instruments as well as Biotage automated extraction equipment. Fort Wayne is ISO 17025 and NELAP accredited in multiple environmental matrices, offering rapid and low-level analysis.
PFAS compounds need to be quantified in the parts per trillion range, requiring highly sensitive testing methodologies. Our team are experienced in meeting these stringent detection levels. In addition, we also offer the Total Oxidisable Precursor Assay, or ‘TOP’ assay. This can be performed on soils, waters, and fire-fighting foams, and is a more comprehensive analysis technique for identifying the presence of some other PFAS or precursors not included in the target list.
Complex regulatory landscape requires diverse sample types
With more than 5,000 known PFAS compounds, the regulatory landscape is complex and rapidly expanding. Our experienced team support clients by conducting comprehensive testing across an expanding range of matrices, keeping pace with evolving regulations.
We currently offer a target list of up to 50 substances which has been developed to include those 20 PFAS detailed within Annex III of EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184, the England & Wales Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) Annex A – List of 47 PFAS substances required for monitoring and others routinely requested by our clients. We also offer the specific compounds and methods listed in US EPA, Health Canada and CFIA/FDA directives.
Why Choose Сòòò½APP?
We are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO 17025:2017 for a wide range of matrices including soils, surface and groundwaters, effluents, air, petroleum products, marine sediments, sorbent tubes, and stack emission samples. The UKAS accreditation is recognized globally under the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) mutual recognition arrangement.
With regards to PFAS, Deeside participates in the proficiency testing scheme offered by ERA, titled Water Supply for Drinking Water PT scheme. ERA are accredited to ISO/IEC17043:2010 (A2LA Certificate of Accreditation number 1539.01).
Сòòò½APP offers advice on field sampling methodologies and techniques to minimise the risk of cross contamination, provide appropriate sample containers along with field blanks, deionised water etc. We organize local and international sample collections from sites or offices and offer fast turnarounds for your urgent samples. Contact us for more information.
FAQ: Our laboratory team answers your most frequently asked PFAS questions
Learn more about PFA compounds including the two primary classes; polymers and nonpolymers, and their subclasses, groups, and subgroups. Also, discover the uses of PFAS and how the substances are regulated.
This interview took place in 2023 with Deeside's Environmental Laboratory Technical Director, Clare Llowarch.
READ OUR FAQArticle: PFAS contamination in food from food packaging materials
PFAS chemicals in food packaging can migrate into food, especially when food containers, packaging and wrappers that contain PFAS are exposed to fatty, salty, or acidic foods.
In this article, Andrew Kolbert, Sr. Leader, Technical Solutions, provides insight into authorized uses of PFAS, voluntary phase-out of materials, the latest regulation, and the importance of testing.
Read our articleLearn more
Soil Testing Services
Сòòò½APP’s soil testing and analysis services include the analysis of soils, sediments, wastes and leachates to determine the level of nutrients and identify any contamination
Wastewater Testing & Analysis
Сòòò½APP is your trusted partner for specialist water distribution services and wastewater analysis, providing quality and accurate results that help you meet regulatory requirements.
Hazardous Materials Testing
Find out how our hazardous materials experts help our customers properly manage and dispose of any hazardous waste.
Drinking Water Guidelines
An article explaining the latest updates to the Health Canada Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality as of February 2020.