Accreditation of laboratories that analyze per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances is of great importance, given the persistence of and potential health and environmental risks associated with these substances.
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to water, heat, and oil. PFAS have been used in protectant formulations and surface coating because of their unique ability to reduce the surface tension of liquids.
PFAS have also been used in the manufacturing of nonstick coatings on cookware; for paper and cardboard packaging products, carpets, leather products, and textiles to enhance water, grease, and soil repellency; and in firefighting foams.
PFAS are persistent in the environment, are toxic at relatively low concentrations, and can accumulate within the human body over time.
They are used in various forms and there are concerns regarding contamination, human health implications, and environmental risks.
PFAS can be introduced into the body by drinking contaminated liquid (including water), eating contaminated food, and breathing in or touching products treated with PFAS, such as carpets and clothing.
ANAB Accreditation for Laboratories Analyzing PFAS
Analysis by a competent testing laboratory is a first step in mitigating the effects of PFAS contamination. ANAB is approved as an accreditation body by the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DOE) to accredit laboratories using the DoD/DOE Quality Systems Manual (QSM) Version 5.3 Table B-15 to analyze PFAS.
ANAB is recognized by TNI to accredit the laboratories analyzing PFAS in Drinking water using the ANAB Non-Governmental Accreditation Body Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program.
ANAB also is recognized by Florida Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Certification Program, as well as the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP), to assess on site the environmental laboratories that analyze PFAS in drinking water.
Learn more about ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation here.
