PFAS TESTING LAB

ADPEN Laboratories is the standard for quality and excellence and our knowledge and experience enable us to provide assistance to the ongoing operations of public water systems and water treatment facilities (municipal and industrial water treatment plants),  pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, manufacturing industries,  environmental agencies, government bodies,  public health departments, defense and aerospace, agriculture and food production and real estate and construction firms.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the nation’s first drinking water standard for “forever chemicals (PFAS)” at a Limit of Quantitation of 4 ppt, a group of persistent human-made chemicals that can pose a health risk to people at even the smallest detectable levels of exposure.  The Department of Defense (DOE) and Department of Energy (DOE) has also updated their requirements for analyzing PFAS in their Quality Systems Manual Version 6.0.

The new rules would limit pollution from these per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which persist in the environment for centuries.  Exposure to PFAS has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, low birth weights, high cholesterol, and negative effects on the liver, thyroid and can compromise a person’s immune and cardiovascular systems.

Exposure to PFAS

People can be exposed to PFAS compoounds in several ways. Typically exposure in people comes from contaminated drinking water. But exposure can come from touching, eating or inhaling these chemicals in everyday products such as:

• Food grown in contaminated soil or water
• Eating food which has come in contact with PFAS materials or packaging
• Inhaling or swallowing contaminated dust

People involved in the manufacture or processing of products which contain PFAS are more likely to develop health concerns due to frequent contact with PFAS materials.

Materials which contain PFAS are:

• Non-stick cookware
• Food packaging
• Processing of food
• Automotive materials
• Electronics
• Stain-resistant treatments to carpet, fabrics and upholstery
• Water-resistant clothing
• Cleaning products
• Personal care products (dental floss, hair care)
• Cosmetics (makeup, nail polish)
• Medical devices

Turnaround Times

ADPEN Labs provides fast turnaround times (TAT) for analytical results. Results can typically be received within 10 working days. TAT are dependent on the lab’s workload and the method employed. Non-routine or research analyses which require instrument optimization or laboratory setup may require additional time. Expedited services require prior lab approval and pricing.