Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remain a significant concern for environmental and public health. In a recent webinar, experts discussed current challenges and advancements in PFAS testing, emphasizing the need for both scientific innovation and practical solutions.
The session highlighted three main actions for organizations and communities addressing PFAS:
First, developing practical PFAS testing strategies is crucial. The speakers noted that scientific approaches must be paired with real-world applications. They referenced the creation of RTI’s CleanPlus portfolio and efforts to provide households and communities with affordable testing options. A focus was placed on making sampling plans more accessible and introducing a publicly available risk mapper tool to help communities understand and manage potential exposures.
Second, the need to move beyond existing regulatory methods was discussed. Non-targeted analysis was cited as a way to detect PFAS in unexpected settings, such as disaster recovery and food packaging, allowing for more informed decisions. The experts stressed that advancing PFAS testing should not only comply with current regulations but also anticipate future challenges by developing innovative testing methods.
Third, the importance of strengthening data quality through proficiency testing (PT) was emphasized. The speakers explained that robust PT programs, which reflect the complexity of real-world samples, are necessary for laboratories to validate their methods and produce reliable data. They noted that rigorous quality programs connecting academic research, regulatory oversight, and industry practices are key to delivering actionable results.
“These insights are just the beginning of the conversation. To hear the full discussion, including case studies, regulatory perspectives, and practical guidance from experts Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, Imari Walker Franklin, and Lisa Greene, we invite you to watch the webinar on demand.”
Access to the full webinar recording and presentation slides is available for those interested in further details.
