The SGS PFAS newsletter has been a consistent and reliable source of the latest information and news on PFAS for years now before many knew what the term meant. While that is not changing, we acknowledge that there are other contaminants and emerging environmental topics of interest. So, welcome to the PFAS and Emerging Contaminants Newsletter. In addition to our ongoing focus on PFAS, this year we are expanding our newsletter to include microplastics, 6-PPD, bisphenols, PPCPs, etc., ensuring you stay informed on the full spectrum of emerging contaminants and providing key insights shaping today’s environmental landscape. Also, you can expect to see more commentary in future newsletters from SGS’s subject matter experts providing their perspectives on current topics and issues.
For now, we’d like to share what SGS achieved throughout 2025 to expand our specialty testing options for our clients.
- Three new locations offering PFAS analysis in our existing Anchorage, AK and Houston, TX facilities and our new Clovis, CA laboratory.
- New method offerings including OTM-50 by GC-MS/MS, non-targeted analysis by HRMS, and microplastics by FTIR.
- Expanded existing capabilities into other locations including extended PFAS lists and tissue testing by EPA 1633A, AOF by 1621, ASTM D8421 and D8535, AFFF and consumer product testing, and TOP assay.
This was accomplished all as part of our investment in what’s next for PFAS and new emerging contaminants. While much has been done to address widespread PFAS contamination, the majority of the work is still yet to be finished. We’re already working on what’s next and are excited to share what is in store for our customers. Complex challenges demand innovative solutions, and SGS is here to help.
Catch our next PFAS Technical Webinar on February 18th.
Click here to register
SGS Updates:
Expanded EPA Method 1633 Capabilities – Detroit Laboratory
SGS continues to strengthen its PFAS analytical offerings with the successful validation of additional compounds under EPA Method 1633 at our Detroit laboratory. These additions expand Method 1633 test codes and support more comprehensive PFAS assessment, including emerging and less commonly monitored analytes.
| Name | Abbreviation | CAS no. | ICAL1 | ICAL2 | ICAL3 | ICAL4 | ICAL5 | ICAL6 | ICAL7 | ICAL8 |
| Perfluoropropionic acid | PFPrA | 422-64-0 | 0.8 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 50 | 124.8 | 250 |
| Perfluoropropanesulfonic acid | PFPrS | 359868-82-9 | 0.184 | 0.46 | 1.15 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 11.5 | 28.704 | 57.5 |
| Perfluorosulfonamide | PFBSA | 30334-69-1 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.25 | 2.5 | 5 | 12.5 | 31.2 | 62.5 |
| Perfluoro-4-ethylcyclohexanesulfonic acid | PFECHS | 335-24-0 | 0.1848 | 0.462 | 1.155 | 2.31 | 4.62 | 11.55 | 28.8288 | 57.75 |
| Perfluorohexane sulfonamide | PFHxSA | 41997-13-1 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.25 | 2.5 | 5 | 12.5 | 31.2 | 62.5 |
| 13C3PFPrA (S) | 13C3PFPrA | 422-64-0 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Aq | |||||
| CRQL2 | CRQL3 | CCV | LOQ2 | LOQ3 | LCS |
| 2000 | 5000 | 20000 | 8 | 20 | 80 |
| 460 | 1150 | 4600 | 1.809 | 4.52 | 18.09 |
| 500 | 1250 | 5000 | 2 | 5 | 20 |
| 462 | 1155 | 4620 | 1.817 | 4.54 | 18.17 |
| 500 | 1250 | 5000 | 2 | 5 | 20 |
| 40000 | 40000 | 40000 | 160 | 160 | 160 |
| Soil | |||||
| CRQL2 | CRQL3 | CCV | LOQ2 | LOQ3 | LCS |
| 2 | 5 | 20 | 1 | 2.5 | 10 |
| 0.46 | 1.15 | 4.6 | 0.23 | 0.575 | 2.3 |
| 0.5 | 1.25 | 5 | 0.25 | 0.625 | 2.5 |
| 0.462 | 1.155 | 4.62 | 0.231 | 0.5775 | 2.31 |
| 0.5 | 1.25 | 5 | 0.25 | 0.625 | 2.5 |
| 40 | 40 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Contact SGS to learn how these expanded capabilities can support your PFAS investigation and compliance needs.
Stay tuned! Click on SGS PFAS Analysis and see why we deliver what you need every step of the way.
US Policy News
Senate passes $8.8B EPA budget
The funding is about 4% less than last year but more than 50% more than a previous White House proposal. It cuts funding for Superfund activities but maintains other operations funding and research. The Senate approved an $8.8 billion budget for the U.S. EPA through the end of the fiscal year in September. The approval is part of a three-bill funding package that also approves certain science spending and budgets for the departments of Justice, Interior, Commerce and Energy.
EPA Proposes Drinking Water Standard for Perchlorate
On January 6, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) and a health-based Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for perchlorate under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
US News by State
National
PFAS Drinking Water Standards: State-by-State Regulations – January 2026
The regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (“PFAS”) in drinking water remains an ever-evolving area for both federal and state legislatures and agencies. With respect to actions at the state level, many states have regulated the presence of PFAS compounds in drinking water, but have done so in a variety of different ways and at different levels resulting in a patchwork of regulations and standards.
FDA report reveals over 50 types of PFAS in thousands of personal care products
According to a Food and Drug Administration report, over 1,000 personal care products people use every day could contain PFAS. As of 2024, more than 50 PFAS ingredients were used in almost 1,700 unique personal care products, the report finds. The ingredients are added to cosmetics with claims of improving product texture, durability and water resistance and enhancing skin-smoothing or shine effects.
Oceans Are Struggling To Absorb Carbon As Microplastics Flood Their Waters
A recent study suggests that microscopic plastic pollution is reducing the ocean’s capacity to take in carbon dioxide, a natural function that plays a central role in keeping the planet’s climate stable. Despite growing concern over climate change, scientists say the influence of microplastics on this global problem, especially in ocean systems, has received relatively little attention.
Local News
Washington
Washington State, through its Department of Ecology, recently amended its per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) rule. The amendments target new product categories and products in these categories with “intentionally added PFAS.” For certain categories, the rule requires submission of a product report starting in January 2027. For other categories, the rule prohibits product manufacture, sale, and distribution, with some exceptions, beginning January 1, 2027.
Michigan
Michigan Democrats introduce bipartisan bill to strengthen protections against PFAS air pollution
Four of Michigan’s Democratic representatives joined with Republicans from New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia in introducing a bill they say would close major regulatory gaps and strengthen government oversight on PFAS air pollution. If passed into law, the Protect Act would require the Environmental Protection Agency to classify PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, as hazardous pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
North Carolina
New rules for PFAS testing in North Carolina
The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission is advancing two proposed rules for public hearing and comment regarding PFAS contamination. These rules would require manufacturers to test wastewater for three types of PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane and create mitigation plans if necessary.
Global News
Europe tightens the tap: PFAS monitoring becomes mandatory in drinking water
From 12 January 2026, PFAS move from being a known risk to a regulated reality in Europe’s drinking water systems. Under the recast Drinking Water Directive, EU Member States are now legally required to systematically monitor per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, apply harmonised analytical methods, comply with new parametric values and report results, including exceedances and derogations, to the European Commission.
Scientists trace microplastics in fertilizer from fields to the beach
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have studied how polymer-coated fertilizer (PCF) applied to fields ends up on beaches and in the sea. They studied PCF deposits on beaches around Japan, finding that only 0.2% of used PCFs are washed into rivers and returned to the coastline. When there are canals connecting fields to the sea, this rises to 28%.
As the European Union clamps down on the use of microplastics in cosmetics, ripples are being felt across the global beauty industry. On the heels of the EU’s ban on intentionally added microplastics, regulations dictate that by October 2027, rinse-off cosmetic products must eliminate these particles, with leave-on cosmetics and fragrance encapsulates facing a 2029 deadline, and makeup, lip, and nail cosmetics until 2035.