Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have many sources, such as oil and water repellents, and are used in items such as clothing, upholstery, non-stick cookware, and fire-fighting foams. They are found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. PFAS do not degrade easily and can cause adverse health effects. In this webinar, we will discuss the sampling and analytical considerations to be taken into account when planning a PFAS sampling program and present our innovative analytical solution.

Objective

At present, legislators and laboratories focus on only about 50 target compounds, leading to the underestimation of actual PFAS concentrations in a sample. In this webinar, we will present our innovative analytical solution, which is based on new and existing techniques that ensure that the presence of target PFOA/PFOS is identified and quantified. This solution will provide our clients with a more complete picture regarding the presence of PFAS in the majority of the estimated 4000 to 6000 compounds.

Agenda

  1. Introduction to PFAS 
  2. Sources of PFAS
  3. Importance of PFAS in the environment
  4. Importance of planning for a PFAS sampling campaign, PFAS sources of contamination, importance of a "reasonably practical approach," and the benefits of a one-stop-shop approach
  5. SGS PFAS sampling capability in Europe
  6. Benefits of a one-stop-shop approach
  7. PFAS analysis from SGS
  8. Analytical presence in Europe
  9. PFAS Safe approach

Background

PFAS were developed by major chemical corporations and, since the 1940s, have been used in a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, and textile manufacturing.

Close collaboration between field personnel and the laboratory performing the analysis is necessary to ensure that the possibility of cross-contamination is reduced, and the integrity of samples is maintained. SGS offers PFAS analysis in Germany, the Nordics, Benelux, and Bulgaria, with Antwerp positioned as our European Center of Excellence. Our laboratories cover a wide variety of different matrices such as wastewater, stormwater, process water, surface water, stack emission, ambient air, indoor air, solid waste, and animal and human tissues. Our strengths are our one-stop-shop approach for sampling and testing and our advanced analytical capabilities.

Target Audience

Every stakeholder involved with PFAS:

  • Government agencies and local authorities
  • Consultants involved in PFAS investigation/remediation projects
  • Engineering companies and known PFAS producers that are required to install control equipment such as thermal oxidizers, carbon absorption, and wet scrubbers and that will require baseline and performance-based stack measurement
  • Facilities where PFAS have been manufactured (i.e. chemical facilities) or used (e.g. textile/carpet manufacturers) and may have resulted in the contamination of air, soil, and groundwater
  • Landfills, where leaching of PFAS from the disposal of PFAS-containing products has resulted in contamination of soil and groundwater 
  • Military bases where the historic use of PFAS in AFFF may have resulted in soil and groundwater contamination 
  • Airports and petroleum refineries where large volumes of AFFF have been stored
  • Firefighting training areas where AFFF may have been used 
  • Metal coating and plating facilities
  • Incinerators
  • Wastewater treatment systems and receiving water bodies

Language: English

Cost: Free

For more information, contact us at: ehs@sgs.com

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