Forever Chemicals: How Analytical Labs Are Fighting the PFAS Crisis

The Shocking Truth About PFAS: The Chemicals That Never Leave

They’re in your water, your food, even your body. You’ve never seen them, touched them, or even smelled them, yet PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are everywhere—and they’re here to stay. Known as "forever chemicals," these synthetic compounds are making headlines for all the wrong reasons. They’re linked to cancer, hormonal disruption, and other serious health problems. Worse yet, they don’t break down in the environment or your body (1).

But there is hope. Analytical laboratories are fighting back, using cutting-edge science to detect, measure, and mitigate PFAS contamination in everything from drinking water to food packaging. Let’s explore how labs are tackling one of the most insidious public health crises of our time.

What Are PFAS, and Why Are They So Dangerous?

PFAS are a family of synthetic chemicals developed in the 1940s for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They’re found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and even personal care products (1-2). This versatility has made them indispensable—but also incredibly dangerous.

Why? Because their chemical structure is nearly indestructible. PFAS don’t degrade naturally, and they accumulate in the environment, wildlife, and people (3-4). Studies link PFAS exposure to:

• Cancer: Elevated risks of kidney, liver, and testicular cancers (1-3).

• Hormonal Disruption: Interference with endocrine systems, impacting fertility (1, 3, 6).

• Immune System Suppression: Reduced vaccine efficacy (1, 7).

• Developmental Delays: Issues in children’s growth and learning (1, 5).

• Metabolic Disorders: Increased cholesterol and other metabolic issues (1, 2).

In short, PFAS are a ticking time bomb. Analytical labs are the bomb squads.

Real-World Disasters: PFAS Contamination Case Studies

1. Military Bases and Firefighting Foams

Firefighting foams containing PFAS have contaminated water supplies around hundreds of military bases in the U.S. Communities near these sites have documented widespread health issues, prompting lawsuits and cleanup efforts (8,9).

2. Parkersburg, West Virginia

The DuPont chemical plant’s release of PFAS into water supplies in Parkersburg became infamous after the film Dark Waters spotlighted the scandal. This contamination led to a massive lawsuit and heightened public awareness (10).

3. Fast Food Packaging

Grease-resistant coatings on fast-food wrappers and pizza boxes often contain PFAS. Over time, these chemicals leach into food and enter the human body (2, 11).

The Science Behind PFAS Detection: How Analytical Labs Are Making a Difference

Detecting PFAS isn’t easy. These chemicals are present in minuscule amounts—measured in parts per trillion (ppt)—but even such tiny concentrations can be harmful. Analytical labs have risen to the challenge with state-of-the-art tools and methodologies.

1. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

This technology is the gold standard for PFAS testing, capable of detecting concentrations as low as single digit parts per trillion (PPT. Labs use LC-MS/MS to analyze water, soil, and even food samples with incredible precision.

2. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)

HRMS helps identify new or lesser-known PFAS compounds, broadening the scope of detection.

3. Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE)

SPE concentrates PFAS in samples before analysis, increasing sensitivity and accuracy.

4. Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay

This technique reveals hidden PFAS precursors, offering a comprehensive view of contamination.

Practical Tips for Reducing Your PFAS Exposure

While labs work to address the PFAS crisis, here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

• Install a Water Filter: Look for reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters certified to remove PFAS.

• Avoid Nonstick Cookware: Switch to alternatives like cast iron or stainless steel.

• Be Skeptical of “Stain-Resistant” Products: Many fabrics and carpets labeled as water- or stain-resistant contain PFAS.

• Stay Informed: Follow reputable sources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for updates.

The Path Forward: How Analytical Labs Will Win the Fight Against PFAS

The battle against PFAS is far from over, with recent data showing over 143 million Americans are at risk from drinking water tainted by toxic PFAS (12), but analytical labs are leading the charge with innovative solutions. They’re not just identifying contamination—they’re developing strategies to clean it up and prevent future exposure. With stricter regulations, advancing technologies, and increased public awareness, the tide is finally turning against forever chemicals.

Stay informed, demand transparency, and support the vital work of analytical laboratories. Together, we can combat the PFAS crisis.

If your lab is looking to add PFAS testing, reach out to Ron Brooks Consulting for expert guidance and tailored method development and validation solutions.

References:

1)      E. Panieri et al. "PFAS Molecules: A Major Concern for the Human Health and the Environment." Toxics, 10 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10020044.

2)      United States Environmental Protection Agency. PFAS Explained. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 8 Dec. 2022, https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

3)      Sunderland, Elsie M., et al. "A Review of the Pathways of Human Exposure to Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) and Present Understanding of Health Effects." Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, vol. 29, 2019, pp. 131–147. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

4)      Evich, Marina G., et al. "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment." Science, vol. 375, no. 6580, 2022, article eabg9065. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abg9065. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

5)      Eick, Stephanie M., et al. "Dietary Predictors of Prenatal Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure." Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, vol. 31, 2021, pp. 751–761. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-021-00386-6. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

6)      Lopez-Espinosa, Maria J., et al. "Association of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) with Age of Puberty Among Children Living Near a Chemical Plant." Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 45, no. 19, 2011, pp. 8160–8166. https://doi.org/10.1021/es1038694.

7)      Abraham, K., et al. "Internal Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) and Biological Markers in 101 Healthy 1-Year-Old Children: Associations Between Levels of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Vaccine Response." Archives of Toxicology, vol. 94, no. 7, 2020, pp. 2131–2147.

8)      B. Ruyle et al. "Centurial Persistence of Forever Chemicals at Military Fire Training Sites." Environmental Science & Technology, 57 (2023): 8096 - 8106. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c00675.

9)      Brian R. Pinkard et al. "Bridging the gap – University, startup, and industry partnership to destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) forever chemicals." iScience, 24 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2021.102904.

10)  M. Karstadt et al. "Serum PFOA Levels in Residents of Communities Near a Teflon-Production Facility." Environmental Health Perspectives, 115 (2007): A486 - A487. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP.10468.

11)  L. Schaider et al. "Fluorinated Compounds in U.S. Fast Food Packaging.." Environmental science & technology letters, 4 3 (2017): 105-111. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.6b00435.

12)  Environmental Working Group. "New EPA Data Show Millions More Exposed to ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water." EWG News and Insights, 20 Nov. 2024, https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2024/11/new-epa-data-show-millions-more-exposed-forever-chemicals. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.