Scientists devise new method for tracing environmental PFAS contamination better

Article excerpt

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial processes and consumer products because of their resistance to heat, water and oil. However, these same properties also make them highly resistant to environmental degradation. As a result, PFAS, such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been detected in various environmental matrices, including soil, drinking water and the atmosphere.