PFAS is the overarching term for the entire class of synthetic compounds, while PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) are specific compounds within the PFAS class. PFOA and PFOS were widely used in industrial applications and were among the first PFAS compounds studied and regulated.

PFAS have been detected in a wide range of matrices, including drinking water, non-potable water (such as groundwater, surface water, and wastewater), soil, sediment, biosolids, air emissions, and various consumer products. They have become pervasive pollutants in the environment due to their widespread use and persistence.

Over 9,000 PFAS compounds have been used in industry and commerce, but regulatory oversight currently covers less than 1 to 2% of these compounds.

PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative, and potentially harmful to human health and the environment. Long-term exposure to PFAS in drinking water has been linked to an increased risk of various health problems. Exposure to PFAS in drinking water in pregnant women may impact a child’s development.

PFAS can be detected using analytical methods, including targeted and non-targeted analysis, typically involving high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). These methods can identify known and unknown PFAS compounds in various environmental samples. PFAS can also be detected using innovative methods such as aptamer-based detection. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind specifically to target molecules, including PFAS compounds. This approach offers a highly selective and sensitive detection method, which can complement traditional analytical techniques like mass spectrometry. Aptamer-based detection shows promise for rapid, on-site PFAS testing in various environmental samples, potentially enhancing monitoring efforts and risk assessment strategies.

Targeted analysis focuses on specific known analytes, while non-targeted analysis uses high resolution mass spectrometry to identify both known and unknown compounds. Targeted analysis is more limited in scope, while non-targeted analysis can discover new PFAS compounds and provide more comprehensive data.

There are several aspects of PFAS that are not yet fully understood, including the extent of human exposure, the health effects of exposure to various PFAS compounds, efficient methods for detecting and measuring PFAS in different matrices, and strategies for managing and removing PFAS from the environment.