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 synthetic compounds valued for their inherent properties, such as a resistance to heat, water, and oil. For decades, they have been used in the production of hundreds of industrial and consumer products such as carpeting, apparel, upholstery, food packaging, cosmetics, 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 research is being done by the U.S. EPA and others to determine the toxicity of the thousands of other PFAS that are or have been widely used in industry and consumer products.

SOURCES OF PFAS

Industry is a common source of PFAS contamination – both the manufacturers of PFAS chemicals and those that use them in the products they make. Of course, industry isn’t the only source. Download our infographic to learn about the many ways PFAS contamination can enter and be spread throughout the environment.

PFAS MATTERS

Stay up to date on PFAS in the news and get opinions from Pace® PFAS experts by subscribing you our blog: PFAS Matters.

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.

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.

PFAS IN WASTEWATER

Wastewater is a common source of PFAS contamination. Watch our webinar to learn more.

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.