Meet the newest additions to the ATS family:
Anko Electronics
CPM Labs
The Calibration Solution
Product Evaluation Systems
Contact Form
Contact Form

PFAS Chemical Testing

Applied Technical Services (ATS)
/
/
PFAS Chemical Testing
You Are Here:
Applied Technical Services (ATS)
/
/
PFAS Chemical Testing
A scientist prepares a sample for mass spectrometry as part of PFAS chemical testing.

PFAS Chemical Testing

Applied Technical Services provides PFAS chemical testing to help clients identify and analyze the composition of highly regulated products. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of artificial “forever chemicals” consisting of a linked fluorine and carbon atom chain. The list of chemicals under this classification continues to grow. ATS commonly tests PFAS such as:

  • Perfluorohexane sulfonic Acid (PFHxS)
  • Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)
Where Can You Find PFAS?
Consumer products manufactured with PFAS began to proliferate the market in the 1940s due to their resistance to water, oil, and grease stains. As research uncovered concerns about the impact of PFAS on health and the environment, use of the products has come under more scrutiny. However, several industries may continue to manufacture or import products containing PFAS under federal or state regulations:
Textile Industry
  • Water-resistant apparel
  • Stain-resistant fabric
  • Stain-resistant upholstery
  • Carpets

Cosmetics Industry

  • Nail polish
  • Makeup

Food and Cookware Industries

  • Fast food and single-use containers
  • Nonstick cookware
  • Drinkable water

Other

  • Plastics and rubber
  • Firefighting foam
  • Paints, varnishes, and sealants
The Dangers of PFAS

PFAS are nonbiodegradable and can bioaccumulate in the human body, wildlife, and the environment. Pollution byproducts from PFAS manufacturing have contaminated drinking water, air, and soil samples. Animal studies have indicated that exposure to PFAS chemicals can increase the risk of cancer and hormone disruption, and the bioaccumulative impacts of PFAS can reach the thyroid, liver, reproductive, and immune system. Excessive exposure may raise additional risks: high cholesterol, hormone suppression, and high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Regulatory Limits and Bans on PFAS
ATS can test for PFOA and PFOS chemicals in products to help clients adhere to federal regulations, such as those passed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As several states have passed laws restricting products containing PFAS chemicals, such as California’s Proposition 65, ATS can analyze products for PFAS quantities according to these state laws to help manufacturers adhere to regulatory requirements and safety standards.
PFAS Chemical Tests

ATS chemical analysts can look for common PFAS and compare quantities with legal and industrial limits. Our most frequent PFAS chemical testing requests involve a fluorine analysis according to standards such as:

  • ASTM C871-18
  • ASTM D1179-16
  • ASTM D4327-17
  • ASTM D808-16
  • ASTM F3414
  • EN 14582

Ion Chromatography (IC)

We offer a general PFAS screening with a total fluorine content analysis. Using Ion Chromatography (IC) methods, our experts can separate ions in a sample compound to identify and characterize PFAS. Clients often request IC for quality control and water analysis.

LC/MS/MS

If the sample contains over 100 parts per million (ppm) of PFAS, our experts may recommend Liquid Chromatography (LC) analysis to target known PFAS in chemical compounds. We invest in powerful equipment for our state-of-the-art lab, such as the Shimadzu Tandem Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS/MS).
A2LA and CPSC Lab Capabilities
ATS has been recognized by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and A2LA for chemical and consumer product testing. Our LC/MS/MS instrumentation detects PFOA and PFOS quantities as low as 100 parts per trillion (ppt). We can follow EPA methods for testing PFAS analytes on our LC/MS/MS with a detection limit as low as 10 parts per billion (ppb).
About Us

Founded in 1967, ATS is a sophisticated and growing firm that offers consulting engineering, calibration, testing, and inspection services to national and international clients. Our efforts support a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, consumer products, and chemicals. We lead an expanding Family of Companies (FoC) for high-quality service from dozens of trustworthy firms and labs.

Our labs maintain multiple accreditations from NADCAP and A2LA. Our superlab is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited to perform calibrations and mechanical, chemical, electrical, and nondestructive testing. Additionally, ATS operates CPSC and FAA-approved labs.

Click here to learn more about our accreditations and quality standards.
Contact Us
Call +1 (888) 287-5227 to learn more about our PFAS testing capabilities. To schedule a test, call our representatives or submit a request through the form on this page.

Request Form

Consumer Product Testing