PFAS in Air

Pfas in air: what analysis in one of the most complex matrices? The presence of PFASs, often documented for water, also affects another complex matrix: air.  If present in emissions from production or treatment plants, PFASs can be transported as contaminants to several sites, even far from the production area.

If present in ambient air, they can be a source of direct or indirect exposure for people.

PFAS in air: How to tackle one of the most complex matrices?

In all cases, monitoring becomes a tool for study and verification. OTM-45 is a performance-based method applicable to the collection and quantitative analysis of specific semivolatile (Boiling point > 100°C) and particulate-bound per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in air emissions from stationary sources. The method involves the set-up of a multi-block line and a subsequent extraction of contaminants from all units used, with data collection for the individual fractions.     

At Mérieux NutriSciences we apply the OTM-45 method for incoming substrates from sampling sites and we are investigating the fine-tuning of emission sampling. The air-environment matrix is also, to date, the subject of study and testing through internal test methods, pending guidelines or official methods.