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PFAS Testing

PFAS Testing

PFAS as an Emerging Class of Contaminants in the Environment

PFAS or 'Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances' are a group of synthetic compounds that have been produced commercially since the 1950s. PFAS were widely used in a variety of consumer goods, from waterproof clothing to non-stick kitchenware in order to make goods stain and stick resistant. PFAS have also been widely used in industrial products, particularly in Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFFs) for firefighting.

 

While these chemicals are being phased out in many countries, PFAS and related compounds (there is estimated to be >4000 PFAS identified in the literature) may still be found in imported products or as part of old stock still in use. The PFAS contamination issue and understanding is a constantly evolving global issue.

 

Australia now has guidance on environmental regulation of PFAS, the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP).

 

PFAS have been detected in many areas of the environment, including the currently regulated Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These three PFAS compounds and others are persistent in the environment, and hence, can bio-accumulate or ‘build up’ in some living organisms and the surrounding environment.

 

Envirolab was an early adopter to the Total Oxidisable Precursor Assay (TOPA) which may assist in determining the presence of precursor PFAS compounds i.e. PFAS that can chemically and/or biotransform into the persistent PFAS. For example, PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA. 

 

Download Envirolab Services Flyer on PFAS Testing

 

 

Testing for PFAS at Envirolab

Analysis is conducted by combining liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS).

 

The LC-MSMS technology provides a fast and accurate method for detecting PFAS in a variety of sample matrices, including water, soil, blood/serum and biota.

 

Future testing in air is now feasible with international regulatory bodies developing suitable sampling and analysis techniques.

Why Envirolab Services?

Quality

We strive to proactively communicate and drive quality improvements within the business as well as across the industry. This ensures consistency in the delivery of quality work, whilst also enabling adaptability to change for continuous learning.

Services

Our service is the backbone to our success. This is because we view our internal customers as being part of the same team, working together towards common goals and results. In doing so, we aim to exceed customer expectations through great service and the delivery of quality and timely results.

Reliability

We pride ourselves on being consistently depended upon to deliver commitments. Our staff proactively go above and beyond to ensure our different clients’ expectations are met.

You can view or download our broad range of capabilities for environmental testing to see why we are the first choice for our clients.

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