Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are everywhere, lingering in everything from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing and food packaging. These “forever chemicals” are renowned for their durability and resistance to heat, water, and stains. However, they’re also notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body.
But while their resilience makes per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances a manufacturing marvel, it’s also their biggest flaw. They don’t break down naturally, accumulating in ecosystems, drinking water, and even our own bodies. Testing product PFAS levels is essential for understanding their presence, mitigating their risks, and adapting to the growing demand for safer alternatives.
Here’s why testing matters.
Protecting Human Health
One of the most compelling reasons to test for PFAS is their impact on human health. These chemicals have been linked to serious conditions, even at trace levels. Research has shown that PFAS exposure can lead to:
- Cancer, particularly kidney and testicular cancers.
- Hormonal disruption, affecting thyroid and reproductive health.
- Weakened immune responses, including reduced vaccine efficacy.
PFAS can enter our bodies through food, water, and even direct contact with contaminated products like cosmetics, clothing, or medical devices such as implantable materials and tubing. Testing products ensures that harmful exposure is identified and mitigated, reducing these long-term risks.
Safeguarding the Environment
Testing for PFAS levels also helps prevent environmental contamination. During manufacturing or disposal, PFAS can leach into water systems, spreading across ecosystems and delivering lasting damage. Once in the environment, PFAS persist indefinitely, bioaccumulating in plants, animals, and humans, and disrupting food chains and biodiversity.
For companies, understanding PFAS levels in their products is key to minimizing the environmental footprint of their operations. It allows them to take proactive steps in reducing contamination and contributing to a healthier planet.
Strengthening the Supply Chain
PFAS contamination doesn’t always originate in the final product—it often starts earlier in the supply chain. Raw materials, components, and coatings used during manufacturing can introduce PFAS into the production process. Testing at every stage of the supply chain ensures these hidden sources are identified and addressed before they affect the finished product.
For example, a medical device manufacturer producing surgical implants may unknowingly source coatings or lubricants containing PFAS. These substances can be used to enhance durability or reduce friction in catheters, tubing, or implantable components. Without rigorous PFAS testing, these chemicals could enter the final device, posing potential health risks to patients. By evaluating materials and coatings early in production, medical device companies can make informed decisions about their suppliers, delivering compliance with safety regulations and preventing unintended PFAS exposure.
This level of oversight ensures both the product and the production process align with safety and environmental goals. Undertaking testing across the supply chain also builds trust with healthcare providers and regulatory agencies, demonstrating a commitment to patient safety and responsible manufacturing.
Navigating Regulatory Demands
The legal landscape surrounding PFAS is tightening, and businesses that test for PFAS are better equipped to comply with evolving regulations.
Governments worldwide are enacting stricter controls:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed limits on PFAS in drinking water, measured in parts per trillion.
- States like California and New York have banned PFAS in certain products, such as cosmetics and food packaging.
- The European Union is considering sweeping PFAS restrictions across multiple industries.
Testing helps companies ensure compliance and avoid penalties, but it also reflects their dedication to safety and accountability. Proactively addressing PFAS levels highlights a company’s responsibility to its customers and the environment.
Building Consumer Trust
In today’s market, transparency is a competitive advantage. Consumers are increasingly aware of the risks associated with toxic chemicals, and they’re demanding safer, more sustainable options. Brands that test and disclose PFAS levels are in a better position to meet this demand, earning trust and loyalty in the process.
Labels like “PFAS-free” go beyond marketing promises. They offer consumers confidence that the products they choose are genuinely safe and meet high environmental standards. This is especially critical in healthcare, where PFAS-free medical devices, such as catheters, implants, and surgical instruments, help ensure patient safety. Testing provides the data to back these claims, strengthening trust with both patients and providers.
Shaping the Future with PFAS Testing
Addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances is more than a regulatory obligation. It represents an opportunity for companies to champion innovation, sustainability, and trust. By tackling PFAS head-on, businesses can unlock the potential for better, safer materials and processes while protecting both human health and the environment.
At Jordi Labs, we understand the complexities of PFAS testing and the importance of actionable insights. Our cutting-edge analytical methods provide precise, reliable results to help your business navigate regulations, mitigate risks, and lead the charge toward safer products.
Whether you’re ensuring compliance, building consumer trust, or striving to innovate, Jordi Labs offers the expertise and resources you need to succeed. Learn more about how our consumer products toxicology services can help you take the first step forward in the direction of a safer, more sustainable future.
Let’s work together to turn awareness into action and make a world that’s free from harmful PFAS. Contact us today to get started.
