Certification and Registration
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Category:
PFAS testing
What Is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 9,000 synthetic chemical compounds that have been used worldwide in industrial and consumer products for approximately 70 years. These substances include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (also known as “GenX”) compounds.
PFAS are used as oil- and water-repellent agents and coatings in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, certain cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products designed to resist grease, water, and oil.
Characteristics of PFAS
PFAS molecules contain chains of interconnected carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon–fluorine bond is one of the strongest chemical bonds, PFAS exhibit chemical stability and high thermal stability. As a result, these chemicals are resistant to environmental degradation. Due to their persistence and bioaccumulative properties, PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” There is currently no universally accepted definition of PFAS. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines PFAS as “chemicals with at least two adjacent carbon atoms, one of which is fully fluorinated and the other at least partially fluorinated”; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines PFAS as “fluorinated substances containing at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom (with no H/Cl/Br/I atoms attached to it).” In other words, with limited exceptions, chemicals containing at least one perfluoromethyl group (-CF₃) or perfluoromethylene group (-CF₂-) are considered PFAS.
How Do People Come into Contact with PFAS?
Due to the wide variety of PFAS chemicals and their common presence in complex mixtures and numerous everyday products, human exposure to PFAS is widespread.
During production and use, PFAS can migrate into soil, water, and air. Most PFAS (including PFOA and PFOS) do not degrade and therefore persist in the environment. Due to their widespread use and environmental persistence, PFAS have been detected at low levels in the blood of humans and animals worldwide, as well as in various foods and environmental samples. With repeated exposure over time, certain PFAS may accumulate in humans and animals.
How Do PFAS Affect Human Health?
The effects of exposure to low environmental levels of PFAS on human health remain uncertain. Animal studies involving high doses of PFAS have shown that certain PFAS may affect growth and development. In addition, these studies indicate that PFAS may affect reproduction, thyroid function, and the immune system, and may also cause liver damage.
High levels of PFAS exposure may result in:
Changes in cholesterol levels
Disruption of thyroid function
Impaired liver and kidney function
Altered immune response
Increased risk of ulcerative colitis
Harm to reproductive health
Increased risk of birth defects
Reduced infant birth weight
Development of tumors and cancer
What Regulations and Guidelines Are in Place to Protect People from PFAS Exposure?
Currently, there are no specific federal regulations targeting PFAS. However, many states have already introduced bans on PFAS in food packaging. Washington and Maine were among the first states to lead efforts in restricting the use of PFAS in food packaging. It is worth noting that before banning specific applications, both states required a nationwide alternative assessment process. Based on completed assessments, Washington has established phase-out timelines for PFAS in food service products. The PFAS prohibition for food service items includes wrapping paper and liners, plates, food containers, and pizza boxes effective from February 2023; as well as bags and sleeves (made from flexible materials), bowls, food service items (such as trays and plates), open-top containers, and closed containers effective from May 2024.
The following states subsequently issued bans, none of which require an alternative assessment.
California (January 1, 2023): Prohibits the sale of “plant-fiber-based food packaging” products containing PFAS when PFAS are intentionally added to achieve a functional or technical effect, or when the PFAS content in the product reaches or exceeds 100 ppm.
Colorado (January 1, 2024): Prohibits the intentional addition of PFAS to paper food packaging.
Connecticut (December 31, 2023): Prohibits intentionally introducing PFAS into food packaging during manufacturing or distribution and prohibits replacing PFAS with ingredients that result in equal or greater harm.
Maryland (January 1, 2024): Prohibits manufacturers or distributors from manufacturing, intentionally selling, offering for sale, distributing, or using food packaging or food packaging components designed for direct food contact that contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals within the state.
Minnesota (January 1, 2024): Prohibits food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS.
New York (December 31, 2022): Prohibits the distribution and sale of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals.
Rhode Island (January 1, 2024): Prohibits intentionally introducing PFAS into food packaging during manufacturing or distribution.
Vermont (July 1, 2023): Prohibits the sale, distribution, and use of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS without a specific content limit.
In addition, PFAS in children’s products are also a key focus area for state regulatory agencies.
SATISFY provides one-stop PFAS testing services, including preliminary assessment, preparation and submission of supporting documentation, complete test monitoring, report interpretation, data analysis, and corrective action recommendations.
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