What is PFAS?

PFAS refer to a group of man-made chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances that have been in production since the 1940s. PFAS are widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. PFAS do not easily breakdown and some types have been shown to accumulate in the environment and in our bodies. Many PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are a concern because they:

• do not break down in the environment,

• can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources,

• build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife

Where have we found PFAS?

There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Common products that have been found to include PFAS are:

• Cleaning products.

• Water-resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas and tents.

• Grease-resistant paper.

• Nonstick cookware.

• Personal care products, like shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup.

• Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics

PFAS have been found in water, air, fish, deer, produce, milk and soil at locations across the nation and the globe.

Why does it matter?

Scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. Potential negative health impacts include:

• Decreases in fertility or increases in high blood pressure in pregnant women

• Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections including reduced vaccine response

• Child development effects including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes

• Increased risk of some cancers including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers

• Interference with the body’s natural hormones

• Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity

What can I do?

As a first step, If you have concerns that your water source may be contaminated with PFAS, order a PFAS water testing kit at the top of this page. Your testing kit will include PFAS free bottles and gloves, directions on how to take the water sample, and a styrofoam fitted mailing box to keep the sample cold when sending it back to Maine Laboratories.

What other types of PFAS testing are available?

Maine Laboratories has developed methods to test for the following matrices: Animal tissue, plant tissue, milk, soil, groundwater, wastewater, effluent, influent, and landfill leachate.

What is the turn around time for sample results?

Maine Laboratories is committed to providing sample results within two weeks (10 business days) of sample receipt. Results are delivered with a lab report via email. If needed, you can request to have your sample run and analyzed within 5 business days for an additional charge.

What is a field blank and why do I need one?

A field blank is taken by transferring PFAS-free lab water into an empty bottle at the site and time of sampling. This transfer should be representative of your sampling process. For compliance testing purposes, field blanks need to be analyzed when a sample is over the PFAS reporting limit. Testing the field blank will hopefully rule out any possible sampling technique contamination ensuring your results are accurate.

Where can I learn more?

• Maine’s response to PFAS

• EPA PFAS Strategic Roadmap

• How PFAS got into soils and food systems