Our PFAS analysis solution
Phytocontrol has developed a method for analysing perfluorinated compounds (PFAS), under COFRAC accreditation, in drinking water, surface water and atypical water.
What are PFAS?
Per fluorinated and polyfluorinated compounds are widely used in industry through more than 4700 molecules for their anti-adhesive, waterproof, stain-resistant and heat-resistant properties. They are found in textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, crop protection products, kitchen utensils, varnishes and many other products.
PFASs have very stable carbon-fluorine bonds, which results in very low degradation and increased presence in the environment. The PFOS and PFOA subfamilies are the best known and most persistent perfluorinated substances in the environment.
What are the risks for humans?
Perfluoroalkyl compounds are not broken down in the human body and accumulate, thus increasing health risks: high cholesterol levels, increased risk of breast, kidney and testicular cancer, disruption of liver function, hypothyroidism, risk of miscarriage, fertility problems, weakening of the immune system...
What do the regulations on PFAS say?
Human consumption water: Directive (EU) 2020/2184 on the quality of drinking water sets a maximum value for:
- Total PFAS = 0.50 μg/L
- The sum of PFAS = 0.10 μg/L (sums of the 20 per- and plyfluorinated alkyl substances considered to be of concern, listed in Annex III part B point 3 of the directive).
Water environment: the regulation sets a limit of quantification of 0.002 μg/L for 7 PFAS in fresh water: PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFDA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFDS).
What solution can Phytocontrol provide ?
With its expertise in organic contaminants in water, our Phytocontrol laboratory meets the regulations and offers you the analysis of 22 molecules (20 regulated PFAS and 2 additional non-regulated molecules) in drinking water and the analysis of 7 regulated PFAS in the surface water and aquatic environments.
Our method is accredited by COFRAC for drinking water, surface water and atypical water (carbonated and highly mineralised) and is carried out by direct injection in LC-MS/MS, guaranteeing a rapid analysis time of 6 days and respecting our eco-responsible approach (use of fewer solvents, fewer solvents and therefore fewer plastics).
