About PFAS - PFAS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PFAS

And Why It’s Becoming a Bigger Problem

Home / About PFAS

WHAT ARE PFAS?

PFAS are a diverse group of compounds resistant to heat, water, and oil. For decades, they have been used in hundreds of industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, apparel, upholstery, certain food paper wrappings, fire-fighting foams, and metal plating.

THE PROBLEM WITH PFAS

PFAS are bioaccumulative, meaning they build up in the bloodstream and tissue. Since at least the 80s, research has found links between PFOS and PFOA (2 common PFAS chemicals) and a number of health problems such as: chronic kidney disease, thyroid issues, certain types of cancers, etc. More recent research is establishing some of the same health issues with many other PFAS compounds, including those intended to replace PFOS and PFOA.

SOURCES OF PFAS

Industry is the most common source of PFAS contamination – both the manufacturers of PFAS chemicals and those that use them in the products they make. Because PFAS do not degrade naturally, PFAS chemicals can remain in the surrounding soil for decades.

SHOULD YOU TEST FOR PFAS?

There are a number of reasons to test for PFAS contamination. Here are seven.

For more insight on the latest issues related to PFAS, check out our Blog.

PFAS REGULATIONS

PFAS is often seen as unregulated, but that’s not entirely true. To fully assess your local PFAS testing and reporting requirements, you need to look at three sources of guidance, standards, and regulations: the EPA, Congress, and the states in which you do business. The link below provides links to state-level PFAS guidance and standard operating procedures.

Drinking
Water

Ground
& Surface
Waters

Wastewater
Sludge &
Biosolids

Solids,
Landfills
& Others

Landfill
Leachate

Air &
Emissions

Biota – Plant
& Animal

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEST METHOD

There are several test methods available to detect PFAS. Choosing
the right method requires knowing what you’re testing and why.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Download our webinar to stay up to date on PFAS Contamination and Testing

OUR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Pace^® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades and was one of the first commercial laboratories to analyze for PFAS compounds. As regulatory requirements and methodologies have evolved, we’ve responded. Pace^® has the ability to analyze multiple matrices through our in-house national network of labs.