The Importance of PFAS Testing In The Environment and The Food Supply
PFAS is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that since the 1940s, this large class of chemicals has been manufactured for a variety of industries in the US as well as globally. PFAS are used in industrial applications and for firefighting. Everyday items that may contain PFAS include food packaging, stain repellent, waterproofing products, electronics, and non-stick pans.
PFAS have extreme chemical stability, which is why they are so useful. However, these chemicals are very resistant to degradation and can persist in the environment, according to the US National Science Foundation. PFAS stability means they persist and accumulate in various agricultural soils, water, and living organisms. Research suggests that the effects of PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes.
Monitoring and PFAS testing are critical. While challenging, there are a variety of approaches to treat PFAS contamination. These include incineration, biological technologies, chemical catalysis technologies, photolytic technologies, and physical treatment technologies.
PFAS Background
Notably, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA} has authorized certain PFAS for specific food contact applications such as cookware and food packaging. Furthermore, some PFAS are authorized for food processing due to their non-stick and oil, grease, and water-resistant properties. The FDA conducts ongoing rigorous reviews of scientific data for authorization of food contact substances. It requires that the available information demonstrate a reasonable certainty of no harm with the intended conditions of use.
Some PFAS, known as long-chain or C8 compounds, or PFOA or PFOS, persist in the environment and animal tissue. The effects of PFAS of this nature have toxic effects on humans and animals. The FDA analyzed these studies. Several manufacturers voluntarily stopped the use of C8 compounds in food contact applications.
In November 2016, the FDA revoked authorization for using long-chain PFAS in food packaging and food contact applications sold in the USA. The FDA continues to review and analyze data regarding PFAS stability and safety concerns of the effects of PFAS. They are actively phasing out short-chain PFAS that contain fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) in food contact applications.
PFAS are a diverse group of artificial chemicals with a wide range of consumer and industrial applications. As PFAS do not easily break down, some accumulate in the environment. Effects of PFAS exposure have been linked to serious health effects. The FDA has tested foods grown and produced in PFAS-contaminated areas. PFAS stability means PFAS in soil, water, and air can be absorbed by plants and animals, which leads to contaminated foods. In testing the general food supply, however, the FDA’s testing shows that very few samples have detectable PFAS, which are very low.
Stability of PFAS in the Environment
While some early PFAS chemicals have been phased out in the US, because of PFAS stability, they can still be found in the environment. This includes rivers, groundwater, wastewater, household dust, soils, food, and drinking water. (Von Der Trenck et al., 2018). The chemical stability that made PFAS viable for packaging also means that they are less susceptible to environmental degradation. PFAS stability is attributed to their highly stable organic compounds that contain multiple carbon-fluorine bonds. (Shahsavari et al., 2021)
PFAS testing in diverse types of foods requires significant scientific understanding and technical instrumentation to identify PFAS in very low concentrations. The FDA has found testing capable of identifying extremely low levels of these chemicals in the parts per trillion. They show that the general food supply, not grown or produced in specific geographic areas contaminated with PFAS, has resulted in few having detectable levels of PFAS. To address potential exposure and safety concerns, PFAS testing identifies possible contamination and the actions required for growers and manufacturers.
Once contamination is identified, the effects of PFAS on the environment and the food system require mitigation strategies. Several technologies for bioremediation of PFAS in soils, for example, are currently being examined. While methods of filtration, thermal treatment, chemical reduction, and soil washing may have potential, they might be impractical and expensive. Large-scale, in situ, cost-effective remediation strategies are being examined. Research is underway to investigate biodegradation strategies with several fungal and bacterial strains has possibilities. (Shahsavari et al., 2021)
Eurofins Capacity for Testing for PFAS In The Environment and The Food Supply
For over 80 years, PFAS have been manufactured and used in a myriad of industries. Their usefulness is attributed to their strong chemical bonds. Their strong chemical bonds also make them persistent in the environment. Due to the effects of PFAS on human and animal health, identifying PFAS concentrations in the environment and the food supply is increasingly important.
Eurofins' network of laboratories has the largest capacity dedicated to PFAS analysis because we understand the need to identify and monitor PFAS. Our proprietary in-house methodology incorporates the technical guidance and expertise of our PFAS Experts to ensure that we understand your analytical needs. Our team ensures you stay abreast of ever-changing regulations.
