Our per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) air testing capabilities are the first analysis of its type to be offered commercially in Australia.
PFAS are a broad family of chemical compounds used for decades in firefighting foams, manufacturing processes and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware. PFAS are known as ‘forever chemicals’ as they don’t break down in the environment or in our bodies. As a result, the long-term effects of these compounds on environmental and human health have attracted increasing attention from regulatory bodies in recent years.
Increased PFAS concerns
Until recently, volatile and air mobile PFAS have been overlooked as a species of concern. This was due to the limited knowledge of how these compounds behave in the air and the lack of techniques available for airborne PFAS analysis.
However, interest in how these chemicals might spread via the air has grown rapidly due to stringent regulations and public health concerns.
Comprehensive PFAS in air analysis from SGS
We have developed the ability to analyse up to 17 distinct species of PFAS in the air at low-nanogram, using industry-standard sampling procedures coupled with a custom analytical method. See the table below for details. With this method, it is possible to sample airborne PFAS for personal exposure monitoring. This enables us to determine ambient concentrations or even to assess the concentrations of volatile PFAS in soil vapour.
Alex Rodriguez, SGS General Manager for Environment, Health and Safety, said:
“As world leaders in PFAS analysis, we’re delighted to add airborne PFAS testing to our already extensive range of environmental solutions. Being the first company in Australia to offer this capability demonstrates our commitment to helping clients mitigate risk and ensure safe, compliant operations in a rapidly changing social, environmental and regulatory landscape”.
Up to 17 species of PFAS can be detected using our method at low-nanogram levels according to the table below.
Analyte | Abbreviation | CAS # | Detection Limit (ng/tube) |
|---|---|---|---|
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorohexan-1-ol | 4:2 FTOH | 2043-47-2 | 5 |
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluoro-1-octanol | 6:2 FTOH | 647-42-7 | 5 |
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluoro-1-decanol | 8:2 FTOH | 678-39-7 | 5 |
2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Heptafluoro-1-butanol | 3:1 FTOH | 375-01-9 | 5 |
3,3,4,4,4-Pentafluoro-1-butanol | 2:2 FTOH | 54949-74-5 | 5 |
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecyl acrylate | 8:2 FTAcr | 27905-45-9 | 5 |
Heptafluorobutyric acid | PFBA | 375-22-4 | 5 |
Perfluoropentanoic acid | PFPeA | 2706-90-3 | 5 |
Undecafluorohexanoic acid | PFHxA | 307-24-4 | 5 |
Perfluoroheptanoic acid | PFHpA | 375-85-9 | 5 |
Perfluorooctanoic acid | PFOA | 335-67-1 | 5 |
Perfluorononanoic acid | PFNA | 375-95-1 | 5 |
Perfluorodecanoic acid | PFDA | 335-76-2 | 5 |
Perfluoroundecanoic acid | PFUdA | 2058-94-8 | 5 |
Perfluorododecanoic acid | PFDoA | 307-55-1 | 5 |
Perfluorotridecanoic acid | PFTrDA | 276-745-2 | 5 |
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid | PFTeDA | 376-06-7 | 5 |
To find out how we can meet your in-air PFAS analytical needs, contact SGS today.
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
