PFAS Measurements in Ambient Air – The “Other” Other Test Method
Unlike drinking water, the United States currently does not have national ambient air quality standards that specifically regulate PFAS in ambient air. Instead, the regulatory framework is evolving and consists of research, emissions measurement methods, reporting initiatives, and state-level regulations, with potential future federal action under the Clean Air Act. In 2024, North Carolina, New Mexico, and New Jersey petitioned EPA to designate PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX) as Hazardous Air Pollutants under the Clean Air Act, but EPA has not yet completed that rulemaking.
Analytical methods exist that are designed for stationary source emissions PFAS testing (OTM-45 and OTM-50), but a large gap exists in the marketplace for the measurement of PFAS in ambient air. In 2022, SGS teamed with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to conduct a “one-of-kind” statewide PFAS in ambient air study (https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/tdr-g1-23.pdf). The study utilized high volume PFAS sampling devices and sample collection locations required supplied power.
There is a need in the industrial hygiene industry for a low-volume PFAS in ambient air method. SGS has created PFAS personal air sampler (PFAS PAS) to meet this need. The SGS PFAS PAS method utilizes a polyurethane foam (PUF) and XAD resin sampling device attached to (battery operated) personal pump to measure PFAS in ambient air concentrations in the breathing zone, workspaces, and other applications at concentrations well below current regulated hazardous air contaminant standards. PFAS PAS reports the same analyte list (49 analytes) as OTM-45. A similar need exists in the PFAS destruction and remediation market. Typical OTM methods are not applicable to “small systems” due to the complexity and costs associated with OTM-45 and OTM-50. The PFAS PAS is currently being used on a PFAS soil thermal treatment remediation site to ascertain any potential PFAS concentrations leaving the effluent of the thermal treatment systems.
Contact the SGS PFAS Technical Team at [email protected] to find out more information!
SGS Updates:
Our expertise in PFAS and emerging contaminants analysis is highlighted in the Environment Analyst’s latest free guide ‘Identifying and Addressing PFAS & Emerging Contaminants’, where we offer guidance to support companies in environmental assessment and remediation as they navigate PFAS and other emerging contaminant challenges with confidence!
US Policy News
Bill in Congress targets ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging
The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act seeks to ban PFAS, phthalates, BPA and certain other substances from food packaging and food processing materials.
US News by State
National
New research links prenatal exposure to Pfas to later development of PMOS
New research for the first time links prenatal exposure to PFAS with the development of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) later in life.
Arizona
Arizona gets $20 million EPA grant to address PFAS
Arizona recently received a $20 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to make drinking water safer in small or disadvantaged communities.
The funding will target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, and other emerging contaminants.
New York
New York state Legislature passes bill limiting PFAS in drinking water
A bill that would limit the maximum contaminant levels for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in New York’s drinking water passed the state Legislature.
If signed into law by the Gov. Kathy Hochul, it would set requirements for drinking water to have levels below four parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, and below 10 ppt for three other types of PFAS, including PFNA, HFPO-DA, known as GenX chemicals, and PFHxS.
New Jersey
New Jersey adopts permanent PFAS cleanup standards for contaminated sites
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has formally adopted site remediation standards for four PFAS compounds, making permanent cleanup requirements that have been in place on an interim basis since 2022 and 2023.
The regulations establish remediation standards for PFNA, PFOA, PFOS and GenX, chemicals
Florida
Florida to ban cancer-linked firefighting foam, require water tests for PFAS under new law
Lawmakers approved the legislation unanimously after years of advocacy from late Rep. Joe Casello and others. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation to phase out toxic flame-retardant foam used by firefighters across the state. The measure (HB 1019), effective July 1, will gradually ban the use, sale and possession of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent containing PFAS, linked to cancer and other diseases.
Heavy rain may be driving tire pollution into Florida waterways
Florida International University scientists have detected a toxic tire-derived chemical in Florida waterways and developed a new testing method that makes it easier to find and monitor the pollutant at extremely low levels.
The study focuses on 6PPD-Quinone (6PPD-Q), a toxic chemical formed when the tire additive 6PPD reacts with ozone in the atmosphere.
Global
Australia sues 3M over firefighting foam PFAS contamination
The Australian government is suing 3M for A$2 billion (£1.1 billion) in damages to recover costs from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at 28 defence bases across the country.