PFAS testing in water
PFAS testing in water matrices
Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing in partnership with Eurofins PFAS Competence Centres offer the most comprehensive PFAS testing analysis on the market with a range of different sampling options.
What is PFAS ?
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), such as PFOA and PFOS are man-made ‘forever chemicals’ that don’t readily break down in the environment or our bodies.
They have been widely used since the 1940s to make industrial and consumer products which are water, oil and stain repellent. They are also temperature and chemical resistant and have electrical insulating properties. PFAS are found in carpets, clothing, cosmetics, non-stick pans, furniture and food packaging. They are also used in firefighting products, hydraulic fluids and semiconductors. PFAS are water-soluble, so they can be detected in soil, drinking water and groundwater. Drinking water is recognised as one of the primary sources of PFAS exposure.
Should I worry about PFAS?
PFAS is now considered to be omnipresent, in all of our ecosystems including our food chains. As well as accumulating in the environment, PFAS can also build up in our bodies. Biomonitoring has found a range of PFAS in human blood and research suggests that continuous exposure to PFAS can lead to long-term health effects. PFAS is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to thyroid disease and infertility, increased cholesterol levels, liver disease and kidney and testicular cancer. They have also been associated with low birth weight and other health concerns for babies.
Do I need to test for PFAS?
PFAS could be of particular concern to the following industries and individuals:
- Users of private water supplies
- Water utility companies
- Wastewater treatment operators
- Water consultancy providers
- Landfill operators oil & gas operators
- Chemical plant operators
- Mining operators
- Airfield operators industrial sites impacted by use of aqueous film-forming foams (afff) e.g. fire stations, airfields and military bases
PFAS regulations and PFAS guidance*
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) issues formal guidance on PFOS and PFOA levels for water utility companies to consider when fulfilling their statutory duties on drinking water safety.
Any concentrations of PFAS equal to or greater than 0.1µg/L during sampling and monitoring of the wholesomeness of final water needs to be escalated by notifying the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) and local health authorities.
The Environment Agency (EA) has expanded the PFAS Range to include more substances for monitoring, following a report by its Chief Scientist’s Group. It recognised that quantifying the scale and nature of PFAS in the environment is challenging because of the number of individual substances.
*This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect the most recent regulatory changes. Always consult official sources for up-to-date legislation.
PFAS testing
Eurofins network of laboratories can offer the most comprehensive PFAS testing analysis on the market with a range of different sampling options.
For more information about PFAS testing in water matrices view our related downloads below.
Eurofins Food & Feed Testing also offers a range of PFAS testing in food matrices and packaging and drinking water.
Related service
PFAS Sampling can be performed by grab sample or using Eurofins patented Sorbisense® passive time average sampling technology depending upon sampling needs.
UK-wide drop-off facilities
Eurofins UK clients benefit from our extensive and free to use logistics and sample drop-off network with over 60 drop-off locations.
Sample bottles
To ensure that we are able to test your water chemistry samples please submit them in appropriate sample bottles.
Get in touch
Would you like to find out more about our water hygiene testing and compliance services? Contact Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK today by submitting an enquiry form or calling +44 (0) 845 604 6740.