PFAS testing

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

A wide range of consumer products contain PFAS. These include food packaging, textiles and fashion apparel, and children’s products. The water, stain and oil-repellent properties of PFAS make them particularly useful in these products. 

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are two of the most widely used and studied chemicals in the PFAS group, followed by perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). PFOA and PFOS have been replaced in the United States. 

These ‘forever chemicals’ are persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT). They can easily migrate into the air, dust, food, soil and water. Over the years, PFAS have increasingly been regulated due to their toxic effects and negative impacts on the environment. A PFAS test from TÜV SÜD’s PFAS testing labs can help you identify PFAS compounds and measure their presence. By working with our experts who have vast knowledge of what is PFAS testing and how to test for PFAS, you can be sure of your products’ safety before they reach the public.  

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

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

These have led to various regulations in different regions: 

• The European Union (EU) has addressed PFAS by restricting PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, C9 to C14 PFCAs (perfluorocarboxylic acids) their salts and related substances as well as categorising certain PFAS as substances of very high concern (SVHC). PFOS testing and PFOA testing is vital to reduce these substances.
• 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. The different approaches for restricting PFAS by the EU and U.S. legislations have created a huge burden for brands and retailers who want to minimise their chemical footprints. 

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. This will help them exceed customer expectations for safety, and therefore 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. 

TÜV SÜD offers a complete range of PFAS testing, PFAS certification, auditing and advisory services for consumer product regulations and standards. These include PFOS testing and PFOA testing. 

Our global network of accredited PFAS testing labs can assess products to assure compliance with national and international regulations and standards. 

Our experts are constantly up to date with the latest technical and regulatory developments related to chemicals and chemical testing in every major region of the world. This gives them the latest knowledge in how to test for PFAS. 

 

PFAS testing: 

• Certain PFAS restricted by EU regulations according to standards such as EN 17681 Part 1 & 2 and ISO 23702.
• Screening for Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) content by determining the Total Fluorine (TF) content to meet US state regulations.
• 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 certification requirements in terms of regulatory and financial risk mitigation based on specific product types.