ATS delivers timely and reliable PFOS and PFOA testing for the restricted perfluoroalkyl acids, commonly known as PFAS or forever chemicals.
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a fully fluorinated anion, widely used as the surface treatment of textiles, leather products, paper, furniture, and carpets for its waterproofing and oil-resistance. It’s also used as an intermediate for the production of paints, foam extinguishing agents, floor polish, pesticides, and termite control agents for its chemical stability. PFOS and its closely related compounds, which contain PFOS impurities or substances leading to the formation of PFOS, all belong to perfluoroalkyl sulfonate substances.
Restrictions on PFOS and PFOA
ATS helps clients remain in compliance with various state, federal, and international regulations. In December 2002, PFOS was classified as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) in the 34th OECD Chemical Committee meeting. Consequently, the European Parliament has placed a restriction on marketing and use of PFOS and its salts. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts are suspected to have a similar risk profile to PFOS.
Limits Outlined by EU REACH (Directive 1907/2006/EC)
- PFOS shall not be used as a substance or constituent of preparations in products with a concentration equal to or higher than 0.005% by mass
- Semi-finished products, articles, or parts shall not be placed on the EU market if the concentration of PFOS is equal to or higher than 0.1% (1000ppm) by mass
- For textiles or other coated materials, the concentration shall not be higher than 1 ฮผg/m2
Fully perfluorinated substances with long carbon chains, including PFOS, are lipid-waterproofing; therefore, PFOS-related substances are used as surface-active agents. Their extreme persistence makes them suitable for high temperature environments and contact with strong acids or bases.
American Regulations
In 2017, California added PFOS and PFOA to Proposition 65 (Prop 65), which lists restricted chemicals for all products produced in or imported into the state. Additionally, in 2021, the EPA passed a rule requiring companies to submit products containing PFAS for review before distribution, import, and use.
ATS’ PFOS and PFOA Testing Capabilities
ATS tests for PFOS and PFOA using Liquid Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Our LC/MS/MS instruments are very sensitive, capable of detecting organic compounds at ultra-low levels (parts-per-trillion). This test method is used in a wide range of fields, from pharmaceuticals and life sciences to leading-edge materials research.
PFOS has been widely applied in civil and industrial production, mainly in the following products and industries:
- Carpet
- Leather Products
- Clothes
- Textiles
- Paper and Packaging Materials
- Paints and Paint Additives
- Industrial and Household Cleaning Agents
- Pesticides and Insecticides
- Foam Fire Extinguishers
- Photography
- Photolithograph
- Semiconductor
- Hydraulic Fluids
- Metal Plating
Contact Us
Let ATS help you get your products to market. Contact us today to schedule PFOA and PFOS testing with our chemical analysis lab. Call +1(888) 287-5227 or click here to submit a request online.
