PFAS Compliance: Protecting Public Health

Concerns over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have grown due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. These human-made chemicals, used for decades in various industries, do not break down easily and can accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms. This has led to increasing regulatory and public health concerns.

Efforts to reduce PFAS exposure have resulted in stricter compliance requirements across multiple sectors. Understanding these regulations is essential for businesses and policymakers working to limit contamination and protect communities.

Common PFAS Classes Under Compliance Requirements

Regulatory oversight of PFAS has intensified, focusing on chemical classes that pose environmental and health risks. Among the thousands of PFAS compounds, certain groups are more frequently targeted due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are two of the most scrutinized, as research has linked them to liver damage, immune system suppression, and increased cholesterol levels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in drinking water as low as 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for both PFOA and PFOS.

Regulations have expanded to include additional long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs), such as perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). These compounds exhibit similar persistence and toxicity, prompting restrictions from agencies like the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and Health Canada. Studies published in Environmental Science & Technology show that PFNA and PFHxS accumulate in human blood serum, with half-lives exceeding five years, highlighting long-term exposure risks.

Short-chain PFAS, including perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), have been introduced as alternatives, yet concerns remain about their mobility and potential health effects. Research from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) suggests they may disrupt endocrine function and contribute to developmental toxicity. The European Union has classified PFBS as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its persistence and potential for widespread contamination.

Analytical Methods For PFAS Detection

Detecting PFAS requires highly sensitive analytical techniques due to their low environmental concentrations and chemical complexity. These substances often exist in trace amounts—measured in parts per trillion (ppt) or lower—necessitating advanced methodologies capable of distinguishing individual PFAS compounds from complex sample matrices. Regulatory agencies, including the EPA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have established rigorous testing protocols to ensure accurate quantification in water, soil, and biological samples.

Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the gold standard for PFAS analysis, offering exceptional sensitivity and specificity. This technique separates individual PFAS compounds based on their chemical properties before identifying and quantifying them using mass spectrometry. A study published in Analytical Chemistry demonstrated that LC-MS/MS can detect PFAS at concentrations as low as 0.1 ppt. The EPA’s Method 537.1 and Method 533 employ LC-MS/MS to analyze drinking water, covering a broad range of PFAS, including short-chain alternatives.

High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has gained traction for identifying unknown or emerging PFAS compounds. Unlike targeted methods that focus on specific analytes, HRMS allows for non-targeted screening, providing a broader assessment of contamination. Researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have used HRMS to detect previously unreported PFAS in environmental samples, highlighting its role in uncovering new contaminants. This approach is particularly valuable in forensic investigations and source tracking.

Sample preparation is critical for accurate PFAS measurement, as these compounds can adsorb onto laboratory equipment and be contaminated by background sources. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is commonly used to concentrate PFAS from water samples, reducing matrix interferences and improving detection limits. A study published in Journal of Chromatography A found that SPE enhances PFAS recovery rates by up to 95%. Laboratories must also use PFAS-free materials, such as polypropylene containers and solvent-resistant tubing, to prevent cross-contamination.

PFAS Presence In Water And Food Supplies

PFAS contamination in water and food supplies has become a pressing environmental and public health issue. These chemicals, widely used for their resistance to heat, water, and grease, have infiltrated drinking water systems, agricultural fields, and food packaging materials. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds prevent degradation, allowing them to persist in ecosystems and accumulate in both natural and human-made environments.

Drinking water contamination is a major source of human PFAS exposure, particularly near industrial sites, military bases, and wastewater treatment plants. A nationwide analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated that at least 45% of U.S. tap water contains detectable PFAS levels. Groundwater and surface water supplies often become tainted through industrial discharge, landfill leachate, and aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used in firefighting. Conventional water treatment methods, such as coagulation and chlorination, are largely ineffective at removing PFAS. Advanced filtration techniques, including granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis, have shown greater success, though implementation remains inconsistent.

PFAS have also been detected in seafood, dairy, and produce due to environmental contamination and bioaccumulation in the food chain. Fish and shellfish from polluted waters often carry elevated PFAS concentrations. A study published in Environmental Research found that certain species, such as striped bass and bluefish, contained PFAS levels exceeding EFSA’s tolerable weekly intake recommendations. Livestock and crops can also be affected when exposed to contaminated water or soil, leading to measurable levels in milk, eggs, and leafy vegetables. Agricultural irrigation with PFAS-laden water further exacerbates the issue, as these chemicals infiltrate plant tissues and persist through food production.

Industrial Sectors With PFAS Oversight

Several industries have come under heightened regulatory oversight due to their historical and ongoing use of PFAS. Manufacturing facilities producing fluoropolymers, coatings, and water-resistant materials are a primary focus, as these operations frequently discharge PFAS into air, water, and soil. The EPA mandates that companies in these sectors report PFAS emissions and implement mitigation strategies. In Europe, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation enforces strict guidelines on PFAS-containing substances.

The textile and apparel industry has also faced scrutiny due to the widespread use of PFAS in waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics. Brands producing outdoor gear, uniforms, and upholstery have been pressured to phase out long-chain PFAS in favor of alternatives. Some countries, including Denmark and Canada, have banned PFAS in food-contact materials such as grease-resistant packaging, prompting companies to reformulate coatings for paper-based products. Manufacturers have turned to silicon-based treatments and bio-based waxes, though concerns remain about the long-term safety and effectiveness of these substitutes.

Common Labeling And Documentation Requirements

Compliance with PFAS regulations requires detailed labeling and documentation across industries that manufacture, distribute, or utilize these substances. Regulatory agencies mandate that businesses maintain records of PFAS content, emissions data, and disposal methods to ensure transparency and accountability. Without standardized documentation, tracking PFAS usage becomes challenging, complicating mitigation and enforcement efforts.

In the United States, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) requires manufacturers to submit pre-manufacture notices (PMNs) detailing the chemical composition and intended use of PFAS-containing products. The EPA also mandates reporting under the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), requiring facilities to disclose annual PFAS emissions and waste management practices. In the European Union, REACH enforces strict labeling protocols, necessitating safety data sheets (SDS) that outline PFAS hazards, handling precautions, and disposal recommendations. Companies must also provide traceability documentation to verify compliance with evolving restrictions, particularly as regulatory bodies move toward broader bans on PFAS in consumer goods.