Understanding PFAS and their impact
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are among the most persistent and concerning contaminants in today’s environment. Their chemical stability means they accumulate in water, soil and air, leading many to refer to them as “forever chemicals”.
PFAS contamination often stems from legacy industrial activities such as manufacturing, electroplating and non-stick coatings, or from residues of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) used in firefighting. They can also be released from discarded packaging and consumer products as fluoropolymer plastics and coatings degrade over time. Tens of thousands of PFAS compounds are thought to exist in the environment, with long-term health impacts still under investigation.
Meeting evolving regulatory demands
The regulatory and analytical landscape surrounding PFAS is rapidly evolving. Laboratories and health authorities face increasing pressure to deliver broader analytical scopes and lower detection limits. In Australia, the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) now in its third revision, defines minimum standards for laboratory practice and outlines data quality requirements to ensure reliable and meaningful results.
What TOPA analysis reveals
The Total Oxidisable Precursor Assay (TOPA) complements routine PFAS testing by identifying precursor compounds that standard methods may miss. Traditional PFAS methods such as USEPA 1633 typically quantify around 40 target compounds, representing only a fraction of the potential PFAS chemical space.
TOPA works by oxidising “unknown” PFAS precursors into measurable terminal compounds. This oxidation can be safely and reproducibly performed in the laboratory, often resulting in higher post-oxidation values that reveal previously undetected contamination. In short, TOPA helps you see the full picture of PFAS presence in your samples.
SGS’s accredited PFAS TOPA capability
SGS Australia is one of the few contract laboratories in the country accredited by NATA to perform PFAS TOPA analysis under ISO/IEC 17025. Our method has been validated through extensive testing to confirm its accuracy, reproducibility and robustness.
As part of our comprehensive QA/QC framework, the SGS TOPA method also reports reaction monitoring surrogate (RMS) recovery. This parameter indicates the effectiveness of the oxidation step, adding an extra layer of confidence in data quality and interpretability.
Supporting sustainability through trusted analysis
Through our IMPACT NOW for sustainability initiative, SGS provides accurate, reliable PFAS testing of water, soil and air samples to help clients protect human health and the environment. Our expertise supports compliance with the latest NEMP standards while empowering informed decision-making across industries.
SGS offers a comprehensive suite of PFAS testing services for all industries. With state-of-the-art laboratories and expert teams providing precise, reliable testing, we are the global leader in PFAS testing, delivering solutions that help businesses meet regulatory requirements while protecting public health. When you need to be sure, SGS is your trusted partner.
We are the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company with a global network of more than 2,600 laboratories and a team of over 99,600 experts. Recognised as the industry leader in PFAS testing, our tailored solutions meet the specific needs of each industry, ensuring products are safe, compliant and ready for international markets.
For further information, please contact:
Andrew Wright
Technical Lead
Industries & Environment
t: +1300 787 744
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
