PFAS Testing

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic chemicals that do not break down easily and accumulate with time.

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and its derivatives are most widely used PFAS, due to their high stability and low surface tension properties. It has widely replaced Perfluorooactanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and their derivatives are mainly cross contaminants from environmental pollution and by-products during the manufacturing of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and its derivatives nowadays.  

As these ‘forever chemicals’ are considered to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), they can easily migrate into the air, dust, food, soil and water.

PFAS can be found in a wide range of consumer products, including food packaging, textiles and fashion apparel and children’s products due to their water, stain and oil-repellent properties.

Why is PFAS testing important?

Media reports of human exposure to PFAS through contaminated groundwater water, soil, food packaging and other sources, are causing concern globally.

Studies shows that PFAS exposure is associated with adverse health effects, such as liver damage, thyroid disease, hormone suppression and cancer.

• The European Union (EU) has addressed PFAS by restricting PFOS, PFOA, C9 to C14 PFCAs (perfluorocarboxylic acids) their salts and related substancesas well as categorising certain PFAS as substances of very high concern (SVHC).

• The United States (U.S.) has started banning certain PFAS chemicals and has established reporting obligations for manufacturers and importers from 2023.

However, there is no standardised list of PFAS that must be tested, and the different approaches for restricting PFAS by the EU and U.S. legislations have created a huge burden for brands and retailers that want to minimise their chemical footprints.

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Taking proactive steps and reactive controls for testing

Brands and retailers therefore must ensure that they fully understand market requirements and take the appropriate actions to mitigate any regulatory and financial risks associated with PFAS, and safeguard their market reputation.

The health and environmental effects associated with PFAS also make it essential for brands and retailers to establish proactive and reactive controls for testing, as this will be critical for estimating exposure and risk.

Our PFAS services at a glance

PFAS Testing:

• Certain PFAS restricted by EU regulations according to standards such as EN 17681 Part 1 & 2 and ISO 23702.

• Determination of total organic fluorine (TOF) content to meet US state regulations in anticipation of passing the proposed state law into action.

• Certain PFAS in chemical formulations, e.g. as listed in the ZDHC MRSL (a list of chemical substances banned from intentional use in facilities processing textile materials, leather, rubber, foam, adhesives and trim parts in textiles, apparel, and footwear).

PFAS consulting:

We can work with your business to build awareness and understanding of PFAS market requirements in terms of regulatory and financial risk mitigation based on specific product types.

TÜV SÜD offers a complete range of chemical testing, certification, auditing and advisory services for consumer product regulations and standards. Our global network of accredited laboratories can assess products to assure compliance with national and international regulations and standards.

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