Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic chemicals used in a range of industries, including aviation, automotive, construction, manufacturing and electronics. They are also found in many consumer products, including food packaging and cosmetics. However, they are now known to present a significant threat to human health and the environment due to their persistence, mobility and toxicity, as well as the tendency of some PFAS to bio magnify through the food web.
Comprehensive PFAS Sampling and Testing Services
Through our global network of accredited laboratories, we can perform environmental PFAS sampling and testing tailored to the PFAS contamination source. We can identify PFAS, at even the lowest levels, in:
- Water (drinking, surface, storm, waste and groundwater)
- Soil, sediment and biosolids
- Air (stack emission, soil gas, ambient air and indoor air)
- Waste
- Blood, tissue and biofluids
- Plants, leaves and vegetables
- Firefighting foams
Working with us gives you access to:
- A wide range of solutions
- Carefully researched and validated sample handling procedures and analysis methods
- Sampling kits to support field collection
- Large capacity
Leading the way in PFAS sampling and testing
As a recognized global leader in PFAS testing, we were chosen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and validate the benchmark reference method for PFAS testing, known as the EPA 1633 method. In Europe, we have developed PFASafe® which is becoming the basis for forthcoming EU legislation.
Our expertise in action
- Drinking water investigation
PFAS investigations throughout the US into drinking water sources on military sites to protect the health of service men and women.
- Understanding waste
Target analysis and TOP assay combined to help the San Francisco Estuary Institute and BACWA understand PFAS in waste.
- Incineration emissions
Devised and validated a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) method to sample and test air emissions from waste incineration plants in Germany.
Why choose SGS?
With laboratories accredited to ISO, Australian, European and US standards, and PFAS experts covering every region of the globe, we are the number one choice for our testing and monitoring programs. Whether you require rapid turnaround times, short-list remediation analysis or wider investigations of tissue and serum matrices, we have the capabilities to ensure your project is accurately and efficiently completed.
Contact us today to start work on your PFAS testing.
FAQs
Sampling of PFAS related projects is particularly difficult. Precise protocols need to be followed to avoid cross-contamination during the sampling process. We can assess your sampling protocols, deliver the appropriate PFAS sampling kits or, in certain geographies, provide the sampling service for you.
There are a variety of methods, which can differ from region to region: please reach out to SGS, and we will propose the appropriate method for your sample type and question. We offer target and non-target screenings, Organic Fluorine measurements (TOF, AOF, EOF), the Top Assay, and Ultra Short Chains. The test methods applied, such as EPA 1633, DIN 38407-42, HJ 1334-2023, will depend on the matrix, the local legislation requirement or your project needs.
We can measure PFAS in all environmental matrices:
- Water (drinking-, surface-, storm-, waste- and groundwater)
- Soil, sediment and biosolids
- Air (stack emission, soilgas, ambient air, indoor air)
- Waste
- Blood, tissue and biofluids
- Plants, leaves and vegetables
- Firefighting foams
Beyond environmental matrices, we can measure PFAS in manufactured products, food, food packaging material, cosmetics.
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8005, Zurich, Switzerland