Ultra-short chain PFAS
Environmental contaminants that have often been overlooked in science and regulation
Feb 2025. Short- and ultra-short chain perfluoroalkyl substances (S- and US-PFAS) are substitutes for or degradation products of long-chain PFAS, which have been part of a stricter regulation over time. Especially US-PFAS are highly mobile in the water phase of environmental compartments and can thus easily reach drinking water sources, which can become an important route of human exposure. In addition to the large scope of short- and long-chained PFAS, we now also support you in the analysis of these US-PFAS, especially in drinking water.
Ultra-short chain perfluorinated alkyl substances at a glance
Ultra-short chain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a subset of PFAS compounds with very few carbon atoms in their molecular structure, typically not more than three perfluorinated carbons. These include:
| Ultra-short chain perfluorocarboxylic acids | Ultra-short chain perfluorosulfonic acids |
| Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) | Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) |
| Perfluoropropanoic acid (PFPrA) | Perfluoroethanesulfonic acid (PFEtS) |
| Perfluoropropanesulfonic acid (PFPrS) |
Key characteristics of these environmental contaminants:
- High water solubility
They dissolve easily in water, making them highly mobile in the water phase of environmental compartments. - Persistence
They resist degradation due to their strong C-F bonds. - Difficult to remove
Traditional water treatment methods struggle to eliminate them. - Potential health concerns
Their effects are still being studied, but they may affect human and environmental health.
The graphic shows comparison of these characteristics with short- and long-chain PFAS. Ultra-short-chain PFAS are increasingly being detected in drinking water, rainwater, and even remote ecosystems due to their widespread use in industry (e.g., refrigerants, fire-fighting foams, pharmaceuticals) or due to degradation of short- and long-chain PFAS. Due to their small size and mobility, they can be transported over long distances and are difficult to remove from the environment.
Analysis of PFAS
The Competence Center for dioxins & persistent organic compounds (POPs) within the global Eurofins laboratory network, Eurofins GfA Lab Service GmbH, has broadened the spectrum of analytical methods for PFAS in food, feed, biota, water, soil and sediments, air, materials, chemicals and even human samples (breast milk and blood). Ultra-short chain PFAS can now be analysed in drinking water and air. All analytical methods are accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.
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Written by:
Simone Staiger
Eurofins GfA Lab Service GmbH