At Teklab, we specialize in the detection and analysis of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent, man-made chemicals that pose significant environmental and health risks. PFAS compounds are commonly found in water, soil, and air, and have been linked to adverse effects on human health and ecosystems. Our state-of-the-art environmental laboratory offers comprehensive PFAS testing services using advanced analytical methods to ensure accurate, reliable results.
Whether you are a municipal water supplier, industrial facility, or environmental consultant, our dedicated team is committed to helping you identify and manage PFAS contamination. We work closely with our clients to provide clear, actionable data that meets or exceeds regulatory standards, ensuring safety and compliance. Let us help you protect both your environment and community with our trusted PFAS testing solutions.
EPA has announced the final updated MCLs for PFAS in drinking water. You can view Part 141 of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations here.
- The finalized rule maintains limits of 4 nanograms per liter or parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and PFOA and includes new limits for four compounds.
- The EPA’s PowerPoint Presentation on the final rule can be found here.
In use since the 1940s, PFAS are resistant to heat, oils, stains, grease, and water—properties which contribute to their persistence in the environment.
PFOA and PFOS have been the most extensively produced and studied of these chemicals. Both chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and they can accumulate over time. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse human health effects.
Teklab specializes in PFAS testing using methodologies 537.1 and 1633. Here is the sampling information for 537.1 and 1633.
PFAS can be found in:
- Food packaged in PFAS-containing materials, processed with equipment that used PFAS, or grown in PFAS-contaminated soil or water.
- Commercial household products, including stain- and water-repellent fabrics, nonstick products (e.g., Teflon), polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams (a major source of groundwater contamination at airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs).
- Workplace, including production facilities or industries (e.g., chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery) that use PFAS.
- Drinking water, typically localized and associated with a specific facility (e.g., manufacturer, landfill, wastewater treatment plant, firefighter training facility).
- Living organisms, including fish, animals and humans, where PFAS have the ability to build up and persist over time.
⇒ Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Source/Site Characterization and Treatment/Remediation
Method 1633 is a solid phase extraction (SPE) liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the determination of selected per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) for non-drinking water samples.
The EPA notes that Method 1633 is not yet required for Clean Water Act compliance monitoring because it is pending promulgation through rule making via 40 CFR Part 136. However, the EPA recommends the use of Method 1633 for individual permits.
Must EPA methods be used to analyze drinking water samples for PFAS for UCMR 5 and the PFAS Drinking Water Regulation Compliance?
Yes, EPA’s drinking water analytical methods were developed with particular attention to accuracy, precision, and robustness and have been through multi-lab validation and peer review. EPA’s Method 537.1, Rev 2.0 (2020) is approved for monitoring PFAS under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5, 2023-2025) and were promulgated as the only currently approved methods to monitor PFAS under the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). The EPA has stated that:
” EPA expects that over many years the final rule will prevent PFAS exposure in drinking water for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. “
EPA is also making unprecedented funding available to help ensure that all people have clean and safe water. In addition to the final rule, EPA announced $1 billion in newly available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and to help owners of private wells address PFAS contamination.
