PFAS DETECTION

PFAS, a brief description

PFAS are a large and diverse family of synthetic chemicals manufactured for industrial and consumer products beginning in the 1950s. These chemicals all have at least one fully fluorinated carbon bond that gives them a great resistance to breakdown in the environment. Originally developed for their water- and grease-resistant properties, PFAS are found in products that range from nonstick cookware to food wrappings, water-repellent fabrics, and firefighting foams. As they are found in these products, they are serious health and environmental concerns since they might be toxic and persist in the environment. They also tend to bioaccumulate over time without degradation. Of the many PFAS compounds, some like PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, liver damage, and developmental problems for children.

While both PFOA and PFOS have been largely phased out of commercial use in the United States, they continue to persist in the environment. Newer alternatives, such as GenX, have been developed but also carry risks; studies have linked them to liver and kidney damage. Other PFAS chemicals include the use of PFBS and PFHxS, though most of those remain under scrutiny over health effects. The problem is that its overwhelming application in industries contaminated drinking water, soil, and even the atmosphere. This calls for regulatory authorities like the EPA to set a regulation aimed at reducing the environmental and health risks caused by these chemicals.