For Protecting Human Health and Planetary Health ― PFAS Analysis
With the ongoing development of science and technology, the quality of products gradually improves. However, some chemical substances contained in these products can have a negative impact on human health and the planet. Recently, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have come to the forefront as harmful chemical and environmental pollutants.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that contain carbon-fluorine bonds, which are one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry. They are widely used to manufacture fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Although their resistance is useful for improving the quality of products, this same quality has created a problem in the environment.
PFAS have been observed to contaminate groundwater, drinking water, surface water, air, and soil. They have also been found in fish and other animals. Due to their resistance to degradation, it is difficult to clean them up, and with their widespread use, they are continuously accumulating in the environment around us.
PFAS Restriction and Shimadzu Instruments for Analysis
Various regulations and treaties have been enacted to stop the spread of global PFAS pollution. Under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation, the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives (PFOS), a type of PFAS, has been restricted in EU countries. In addition, the Stockholm Convention regulates the global elimination of PFOS and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds. Several PFAS are on the REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). *1 As various regulations are enacted, public concern is growing, and so is the demand for PFAS analysis.
Shimadzu's analytical instruments are actively used in PFAS analysis to meet these demands. Our group company in the US, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc., created a video on PFAS analysis. Dr. Ruth Marfil-Vega answers some key questions about PFAS analysis for environmental laboratories. She addresses the challenges environmental laboratories are facing as they move quickly to act against PFAS and meet the demands created by new regulatory requirements. Let’s watch the video!
Meet Your Expert for PFAS Analysis
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc. also produced videos to introduce experts for PFAS Analysis. Four experts speak about their backgrounds, jobs, experiences, and Shimadzu’s technologies related to PFAS analysis. Watch the videos below to hear from these experts.
General Manager of Innovation Center, Tairo Ogura, PhD
LCMS Product Specialist, Ethan Hain, PhD
US Southeast Regional Manager for sales and tech support, Faith Hays, PhD
MS tech support scientist, Samantha Olendorff
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