Why is it so hard to test for PFAS?

I was planning out research for a science fair competition, where I am going to be developing a new screening method for PFAS in water sources. Throughout its development, I will need to verify its accuracy as compared to current EPA methods. One of the stages of my project is collecting samples from a water source and comparing the results from a MassDEP-certified lab to my screening method.

The full list of MassDEP-certified labs for PFAS (screenshot from the MA searchable laboratory certification listing)



I was appalled to find out that there were only 14 certified labs to which PFAS levels could be officially measured! [1] Of these 14 labs, only two are in MA state: Pace Analytical Laboratories and Alpha Analytical. When I contacted Alpha Analytica, it turns out that they would not be able to support me until next Spring, way outside of the timeline of my project. My next best bet was Pace Analytical Labs. The response I got from them was even more lackluster than Alpha Analytical’s: they simply didn’t respond.

My third option was to contact Absolute Resource Associates, who hooked me up with an arrangement to test water samples. However, another appalling part of the process was the price of using LC-MS (see previous posts). Alpha Analytical and Absolute Resources charge $250-280 (depending on method) per sample! For one run of samples, this is quite expensive!

Perfluorinated Compounds | Water Utility, City of Madison, Wisconsin
PFAS testing kit (source)



For many researchers, these obstacles hinder scientific development. Studies require a lot of data, which in the case of PFAS is very expensive to obtain via official methods. In addition, the few labs that offer certified methods are often not available for testing because they are too overloaded with demand.

The issue of hard-to-access testing compounds current existing problems surrounding scientific research of PFAS, including public awareness and government action. Without sufficient scientific activism to back up activism, PFAS’ relative unchartedness allows chemical manufacturing companies to keep polluting and harming public health.

Sources
MassDEP database




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