Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of substances that have been widely used for decades, primarily due to their surface-active properties and resistance to degradation. However, their resistance to degradation, in combination with other properties of concern for human health and the environment, have resulted in regulatory actions towards this group of substances. In the EU and globally, groups of PFAS have been restricted and additional proposals are underway.
Effective enforcement is key to reduce intentional use of restricted PFAS in articles and chemical products. To analyse PFAS accurately and reliably in different matrices, by regulatory agencies as well as by companies for compliance with legislations, there is a need of reliable analytical methods. This has previously been pointed out in e.g. the Nordic Council of Ministers reports: “Analytical methods for PFAS in products and the environment” and “Nordic Enforcement project on PFOS and PFOA in chemical products and articles”. With existing and upcoming PFAS-restrictions, not the least restriction proposals containing limit values for the total sum of PFAS, there is a need for development and improvement of analytical methods for PFAS analysis.
This report, initiated by the Nordic Working Group for Chemicals, Environment, and Health (NKE), aims to evaluate the current situation related to PFAS-analyses and enforcement and propose measures/strategies to enable and/or improve enforcement and compliance with current and future PFAS restrictions. The work in the project and preparation of this report were carried out jointly by Ramboll Deutschland GmbH and the Flemish Institute for technological research (VITO), in contact with a project group consisting of NKE members from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.