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Get a PFAS Test Done to Make Sure You Are Drinking Safe Water

1. Overview about PFAS

Perfluororalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of ways over the past several decades. These uses include firefighting foams and coatings for consumer goods to make them nonstick, water-repellent, or stain-repellent. We now know that a number of these chemicals are harmful to human health.

Throughout the United States, where PFAS in drinking water have been found they have typically been found near specific locations where large amounts of PFAS were released into the environment over a long period of time. Those near industrial sites that manufacture PFAS or sites that apply PFAS to consumer goods, as well as locations where certain types of firefighting foam have been used frequently (facilities include airports, military bases, and fire department training facilities).

Because of these issues you may have questions about how to check for PFAS in your drinking water.

2. Why PFAS Water Testing is Important

PFOA and PFOS are two particularly troubling PFAS that have received increased attention from regulatory agencies. The problem is serious enough that changes have been made recently to the MSLs of these forever chemicals.

On May 27, 2020, the California Water Boards, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, released Interim Final Environmental Screening Levels (ESLs) for two PFAS: perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) Priority ESL for groundwater and direct exposure to human health risk levels is 6.5 ng/L for PFOS and 5.1 ng/L for PFOA.

One of the most prevalent sources of PFAS is in drinking water. These contaminations are typically localized and associated with a specific facility (e.g. manufacturer, landfill, wastewater treatment plant, firefighter training facility).

Because PFAS are difficult to break down, they are often called “forever chemicals.” Exposure to some PFAS has been shown to cause cancer, physical development delays, endocrine disruption, immune impairment, fetal growth reduction, and neonatal mortality in animal studies.

3. PFAS testing procedure & methods

Torrent Laboratory tests for the full list of PFAS compounds in everything from drinking water to waste water to hazardous waste (aqueous and solid, including soil).
We’re also certified for PFAS compound testing by the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy and the state of California. These are among the industry’s most respected certifications, testaments to our ability to meet the highest levels of scrutiny. And, paired with our capabilities, guarantee that we can reliably test for PFAS in drinking water.

Our laboratory employs only the most highly qualified and experienced chemists and our testing laboratory is state of the art with all the newest technologies and most advanced capabilities in order to ensure the most accurate test results to the lowest reporting levels. You can be assured that when you test with us you will receive many advantages including:

  • Fastest possible TAT in the industry
  • Unrivaled technical and customer support
  • Unparalleled on-time performance
  • Impeccable quality
  • Competitive pricing
  • Convenient geographic location

Although pre-packaged water testing test kits are available; they are not how to check for PFAS in water. They usually cannot detect in the part per billion and part per trillion range. Also, those kits are useless when it comes to comprehensive water quality testing! Municipality-delivered tap water, bottled water, home-filtered water, and well water all have unique characteristics that pre-packaged kits do not necessarily address or check. Torrent understands all of our client’s situations are unique, which is why we spend time with you up-front to find out exactly what you are interested in determining.

4. Conclusion

Torrent Laboratory’s environmental testing services are backed by a breadth and depth of certification, including California’s Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (CA ELAP), The Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP) and National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Certification (NELAC). With dual-certified PFAS testing for the full list of PFAS compounds, Torrent Laboratory offers accurate assessment for PFAS water testing. Our full-service lab also offers the fastest turnaround time in the industry. So you get the information you need—faster.

Torrent has decades of experience and our chemists have a combined 150 years of analytical expertise. We know exactly how to serve you! Our final reports contain an additional attachment that includes the Federal Guidelines so that you can compare your water quality data. And, our relationship doesn’t necessarily end once you receive your data–Torrent is always available if you have additional questions or concerns. Send us an email to customerservice@torrentlaboratory.com and we’ll be happy to discuss your report with you.