PFAS have been dominating the minds in Flanders for quite some time now. These chemical substances are used in various applications because they are, among other things, fireproof, dirt-repellent and water-repellent. These chemicals are being discovered in more and more places, with a potential risk to humans, the environment and animals. Whether in soil, water, ambient air, consumer product or food, SGS will investigate if your product contains any of the PFAS chemical substances.
What are PFAS?
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemical - man-made - substances consisting of 4,000 to 6,000 different components. PFAS are persistent, spread quickly and are not or hardly biodegradable. They are added during production processes to all kinds of applications, such as paints, fire-fighting foams, pans, packaging materials, food and cosmetics. Subsequently, the chemicals are found as diffuse contaminants in food, air, soil, groundwater and surface water.
The health risks
Several PFAS are strongly suspected to be toxic, with health risks to humans, animals and the environment. Consider effects on hormone balance, the immune system, reproduction and the development of an unborn child. The exact properties differ for each specific PFAS. The substances can accumulate in the human body, in animals and in plants. Through food, drinking water, inhalation or skin, PFAS can enter the human body. The amount and duration of contamination determines the risk of adverse health effects. The effect of a large number of PFAS substances is still unknown.
What does the law say?
For production and use of various PFAS compounds there are strong restrictions by European directives. In the coming years, various PFAS-containing applications will be further restricted. As a result, more and more substitute products will be produced and used. However, some of these products also fall under the PFAS group. Countries outside the EU may have different legislation for PFAS so there is a real risk that consumer products from such countries may contain higher levels of these substances.
Why choose SGS?
SGS has been researching and analyzing PFAS compounds for over 20 years. Based on this experience, we have set up unique research techniques that allow us to investigate PFAS in all types of materials. So not only in soil or water, but also in ambient air and consumer products such as food, personal care products and cosmetics. Our analyses are ISO 17025 accredited and we also have both regional (Department of the Environment) and federal (FAVV) approvals for water and food matrices. Unlike most laboratories, SGS has a unique vision and analysis strategy to identify potential PFAS contamination and eliminate surprises in the future.
Further information
Would you like more information about PFAS testing in Belgium? Please feel free to contact us at be.ehs.sales@sgs.com or by phone at +32 3 545 85.84.
