PFOA/PFOS

Analytical testing dots Perfluorochemicals Testing

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are a family of fluorine containing chemicals used in heat, stain and water resistant products. Due to their persistence, toxicity and bioaccumulative potential, these compounds are of increased concern to environment and health agencies.

Aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) contain PFC compounds and are used in fighting hydrocarbon fueled fires. The US military is the largest user of AFFF. The use of AFFF has led to groundwater and surface water contamination. The primary PFCs of interest related to AFFF contamination are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The production of PFOS-based AFFF products stopped in 2002 but huge stockpiles remain at DoD bases throughout the world.

Perfluorochemicals Testing The European Union requires the removal of all stockpiles of PFOS-based AFFF from service by June 27, 2011 and environment Canada requires the removal of existing stockpiles by May 29, 2013.

ALS - Columbia developed LC/MS/MS methods years ago for PFC analysis and offers analysis of PFOA, PFOS and other PFCs as listed below.

 

Chemical Compound Use Instrumental Method Analytical Method Reporting Limit Units Sample Requirements
Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFHeA) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 1 ng/L

Container:
1L Polycarbonate

Preservation:
Cool to 4°C±2°C

Volume:
1L

Holding Time:
14 days to extraction
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 0.5 ng/L
Perfluoroheptanoic Acid (PFHpA) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 1 ng/L
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 0.5 ng/L
Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 1 ng/L
Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 1 ng/L
Perfluoroundecanoic Acid (PFUnA) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 1 ng/L
Perfluorododecanoic Acid (PFDoA) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 1 ng/L
Perfluorobutane Sulfonate (PFBS) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 0.5 ng/L
Perfluorohexane Sulfonate (PFHxS) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 1 ng/L
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) Fluoropolymer Precursor LC/MS/MS SOC-PFC 1 ng/L

Please call us should you have analytical needs for specific PFCs not listed above.

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