Navigating the PFAS Landscape: A New Approach to PFAS

Recently, in some of our projects, we started employing a risk-based approach. This involves examining the functions of our products to identify where the use of PFAS is suspected. If a product has a function typically associated with intentionally added PFAS, it merits testing. Instead of relying solely on traditional targeted PFAS tests or supplier declarations, we have begun using a new testing protocol developed by RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) in collaboration with their project partners as part of the POP-free industry project.

Background on PFAS Analysis

Analyzing PFAS in products and the environment is complex due to the diversity of PFAS compounds and their chemical stability. Over 10,000 substances are identified as part of the PFAS family. No single test method can capture them all. Traditional analytical methods focus on a limited set of known PFAS, potentially overlooking other fluorinated substances, especially polymeric and unknown PFAS. Recent advancements highlights the importance of measuring total fluorinated content to gain a more thorough understanding of the total amount of PFAS present.

Methods such as Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) and Pyrolysis-GC/MS have emerged as valuable tools. CIC measures total fluorine content, providing an overview of the amount of organic and inorganic fluorinated substances present. Pyrolysis-GC/MS allows for the identification of specific PFAS compounds by analyzing their thermal decomposition products.

Testing Our Products for PFAS

As an initial step to verify our approach, we tested all products under our brand, Embra, to ensure they did not contain PFAS. We received feedback that some of the tested products were not relevant for PFAS testing, as they did not have functions typically associated with PFAS use. Going forward, in our new projects, we will focus on testing only those products with an identified risk of containing PFAS based on their functionality.

The testing is performed in two stages using complementary techniques:

1. Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC): The first stage quantifies the total fluorine content and serves as a screening tool for PFAS. By measuring total fluorine, we can detect both known and unknown fluorinated substances, including polymeric PFAS, that might not be captured by targeted methods.
2. Pyrolysis-GC/MS: The second stage is used for verification and identification of PFAS, providing structural information about the specific compounds present. This technique analyzes the thermal degradation products of the sample, allowing us to identify the types of PFAS that may be present.

Both methods use direct thermal breakdown without any prior extraction steps, effectively capturing polymeric PFAS that might be missed by conventional extraction-based methods. 

Casting a Wider Net: Expanding Our Reach in PFAS Detection

Using these analytical techniques ensures we can detect a wider range of PFAS compounds, including those not commonly targeted in standard analyses. This approach helps us better understand and manage the potential risks associated with PFAS in our products. Especially polymeric PFAS are common when PFAS is added intentionally to provide a specific function.

By integrating analytical methods and a risk-based approach, we aim to manage PFAS risks in our products, aligning with current scientific best practices and future regulatory expectations. So far, we've applied this approach to a small fraction of our portfolio, but we plan to expand its use in the future to accelerate our journey towards offering a PFAS-free assortment. 

Key Takeaways

• Risk-Based PFAS Identification: We will focus our testing on products whose functions suggest a high risk of PFAS use.
• Employing RISE's Testing Methods: We started using a test protocol developed by the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) on our products, combining Combustion Ion Chromatography for total fluorine determination and PFAS screening, accompanied by Pyrolysis-GC/MS for PFAS identification and verification.
• Effective Detection of Most PFAS Types: This two-stage testing effectively identifies a wide range of PFAS compounds, including polymeric forms, through direct thermal breakdown without prior extraction steps. Although it doesn't capture all PFAS, it more accurately identifies products containing PFAS.

Understanding PFAS and Fluorinated Polymers - Terminology

• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): A group of man-made chemicals used in various industries for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. PFAS are persistent in the environment and have raised concerns due to their association with adverse health impacts.
• Polymers: Macromolecules composed of many repeating subunits called monomers.
• Fluorinated Polymers: Polymers in which one or more of the monomer units contains fluorine (F), either in the backbone or in the side chains. Many products contain polymeric PFAS when PFAS has been added to provide a specific function, such as water repellency or non-stick properties.