PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances detection
What does PFAS mean?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) refer to organic compounds containing at least one perfluorinated carbon atom (i.e. containing at least one -CF2- or -CF3- aliphatic chain structural unit). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) , perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and many other compounds.
PFAS uses
PFAS can make products oil-proof, waterproof, anti-fouling, chemical-resistant and high-temperature resistant, reduce surface friction, and obtain surface activity, so it has been widely used in the past.
PFAS are found in food packaging materials (food contact paper and cardboard), consumer products such as stain-resistant, waterproof fabrics and carpets, leather and apparel, non-stick kitchenware (such as Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products and fire-resistant foam.
The dangers of PFAS
Certain PFAS , such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) , can remain very persistent in the body and have negative effects on human health. Animal studies show that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) can affect reproduction and development, liver and kidneys, and the immune system, and can cause tumors.