Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis

Introduction

In our increasingly polluted world, the issue of environmental contamination has taken centre stage. One of the lesser-known but potent threats to our ecosystems and health is the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our water and soil. This blog aims to shed light on PFAS, exploring their origins, consequences, and potential solutions to this growing crisis.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and commercial applications since the 1940s. PFAS are known for their unique properties, such as high chemical stability and resistance to heat, grease, and water. These characteristics have made them useful in products such as fire fighting foams, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, water-repellent coatings, and many other consumer and industrial applications. Around 6000 different compounds fall under this broad category, including PFOA (perfluoro octanoic acid), PFOS (perfluoro octane sulfonate), and many others. Many PFAS are detected in the blood of people and animals worldwide and are prevalent at low levels in a variety of food products and the environment due to their extensive use and persistence in the environment. In many parts of the country and the world, PFAS have been discovered in the water, air, fish, and soil.

Types of PFAS

There are various types of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been identified and studied. Some of the commonly known PFAS compounds include:

How Are People Exposed to PFAS?

By area and profession, human exposure to PFAS varies in intensity. Our soil, air, and water have all been poisoned by these manmade toxins. The most typical ways that people are exposed to these chemicals are via breathing in PFAS-contaminated air, using PFAS-containing products, or consuming contaminated water or food. The evaluation of human exposure is ongoing.

Why Should We Care About PFAS?

Different scientific research have uncovered and validated a number of health consequences linked to PFAS exposure. Concerns about PFAS' impact on public health have arisen due to the following factors.

• Researchers have discovered PFAS in human blood and urine, and they want to know if they have any negative health effects.
• There are numerous potential for human exposure to PFAS due to its widespread use in hundreds of goods.
• There have been found to be more than 9,000 PFAS.
• Unknown duration of PFAS environmental persistence.

Different PFAS compounds may be ingested by people in a variety of ways. People might consume more of the chemicals over time than they can expel, which could result in bioaccumulation in their bodies

Importance of testing PFAS in soil and water

Certainly, here are the key reasons highlighting the importance of testing PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in soil and water:

Market overview

The global PFAS waste management market size was reported to be US$ 1.8 billion in 2022. Furthermore, it is projected to reach US$ 2.9 billion by 2031. These figures indicate the anticipated growth and increasing demand for PFAS waste management services, likely driven by strict restrictions and regulations surrounding PFAS compounds, such as those imposed under REACH and other regulatory frameworks.

Recall incidents

On July 7, 2022, Bumble Bee Foods LLC announced a recall of smoked clams due to detectable levels of PFAS chemicals found in samples of the imported product during FDA testing. The recall was initiated as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety. The presence of PFAS chemicals in the smoked clams raises concerns about potential health risks associated with their consumption.

Regulations and standards

The FDA regularly checks the amounts of PFAS in the foods and goods that people use or eat most frequently. The FDA conducts safety assessments if the levels are detectable to determine whether they can harm human health or whether further research is necessary. The FDA banned the use of specific PFAS types, known as long-chain PFAS, in food packaging in 2016. It was discovered to be hazardous to both human and animal health.

The Safe Drinking Water Act grants EPA the authority to require public water systems to be monitored and to create enforceable National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for contaminants in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to regulate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water in a final determination published in March 2021 titled Regulatory Determinations for Contaminants on the Fourth Contaminant Candidate List.

The EPA is drafting a proposed National Drinking Water Regulation for PFOA and PFOS, which will be released by the end of 2022. In addition to taking this action, the EPA is also analyzing other PFAS and thinking about regulatory actions to address specific PFAS groupings. ⁽⁶⁾

REACH restrictions

Following a decision by the European Commission on a proposal by the German and Swedish authorities, per fluorinated carboxylic acids (C9-14 PFCAs), their salts, and precursors will be restricted in the EU/EEA beginning in February 2023. Furthermore, in January 2022, ECHA submitted a restriction proposal for PFASs used in firefighting foams. This proposal is up for public comment from March 23 to September 23, 2022. The proposed restriction is currently being reviewed by ECHA's scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC). This application is not included in the broader PFAS restriction being developed by the five European countries. ⁽⁷⁾

REACH substances of extreme concern

On the REACH Candidate List of extremely high concern compounds are a variety of different PFASs (SVHC). Two PFAS groups were identified as SVHCs in June 2019 and January 2020. The SVHCs were identified based on their persistence, mobility, and toxicity, which were thought to pose a risk to human health and wildlife when exposed to the environment (including through drinking water). These groups are:

• The first chemical to be added to the Candidate List was 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propionic acid, its salts, and its acyl halides (HFPO-DA), a short-chain PFAS alternative for PFOA in the manufacturing of fluoropolymers. Its ammonium salt is commonly known as GenX. [General Court judgment]
• Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and its salts, a replacement of PFOS. ⁽⁷⁾
  
  

Regulation on Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP)

Under the CLP Regulation, a few PFASs already have harmonised classification and labelling. These are some examples:

• perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA);
• ammonium pentadecafluorooctanoate (APFO);
• perfluorononan-1-oic acid (PFNA) and its sodium and ammonium salts;
• nonadecafluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and its sodium and ammonium salts.

The EU's chemicals strategy for sustainability prioritises PFAS policy. The European Commission has committed to phase out all PFASs, allowing their use only where irreplaceable and essential to society. ⁽⁷⁾

Water for Drinking: The recast of the Drinking Water Directive, which went into effect on January 12, 2021, includes a 0.5 g/l limit for all PFAS. This is consistent with a grouping strategy for all PFASs.

Food: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established a new safety threshold for the following perfluoroalkyl substances that accumulate in the body in September 2020: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). The threshold, 4.4 nanograms per kilogramme of body weight per week, is part of a scientific opinion on the risks to people's health from the presence of these substances in food. The scientific advice provided by EFSA will assist risk managers in making decisions about how to best protect consumers from PFAS exposure through food.

Testing methods

There are several testing methods used to detect and analyse per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various samples. Here are some commonly employed testing methods for PFAS:

Eurofins role in PFAS testing

Eurofins is a global leader in analytical testing and laboratory services, including PFAS testing. Eurofins offers a wide range of testing capabilities and expertise to help identify, measure, and analyze PFAS compounds in various samples. Here are some aspects of Eurofins' role in PFAS testing:

Testing Services: Eurofins offers comprehensive PFAS testing for various sample types such as water, soil, air, food, and biological samples. They use advanced techniques and equipment to accurately detect and measure PFAS compounds.

Method Development: Eurofins has expertise in developing and validating testing methods specifically for PFAS analysis. They continuously work on improving existing methods and creating new ones for reliable results.

Regulatory Compliance: Eurofins stays updated with PFAS regulations and guidelines. They help clients ensure compliance with these regulations and navigate the complexities of PFAS testing requirements.

Consultancy: Eurofins provides consultancy services to help clients understand the risks associated with PFAS contamination. They assist in conducting risk assessments, evaluating exposure pathways, and developing strategies for mitigation and remediation.

Research and Development: Eurofins invests in research and development to advance PFAS testing methodologies and enhance their analytical capabilities. This helps them stay at the forefront of PFAS analysis.

Global Presence: With a wide network of laboratories worldwide, Eurofins can efficiently provide PFAS testing services internationally.

Eurofins Analytical Services India, located in Bangalore, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving recognition from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program. This makes Eurofins the first laboratory in Asia to receive such recognition. The laboratory operates in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards and has demonstrated its commitment to quality and accuracy in food testing. Utilizing various analytical methods, Eurofins Analytical Services India specializes in determining the presence and levels of determinants/analyses such as filth, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury), and biological contaminants (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes) in different types of food and food products. This achievement showcases Eurofins' expertise and capability to provide reliable and comprehensive analytical services for the food industry, contributing to food safety and consumer protection.

References

1. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
2. https://www.iasabhiyan.com/what-are-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances/
3. https://www.eurofins.in/food-testing/services/pfas/
4. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm
5. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-pfas
6. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
7. https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas
8. https://www.epa.gov/water-research/pfas-analytical-methods-development-and-sampling-

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