Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals,' are increasingly detected in water sources globally. For laboratories requiring ultrapure water—critical for sensitive analyses like mass spectrometry or cell culture—even trace PFAS contamination can skew results or damage equipment.
According to a 2024 study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, PFAS can bypass conventional water purification systems, including reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters, if not specifically designed to remove them. Labs using ultrapure water systems must verify that their purification trains include PFAS-specific steps, such as ion exchange resins or advanced oxidation processes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set new drinking water limits for six PFAS compounds as of April 2024, but these do not directly apply to laboratory water. However, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends that labs monitor PFAS levels in their water supply, especially when conducting trace-level analyses.
To mitigate risks, labs should test incoming water for PFAS, upgrade filtration systems, and use certified PFAS-free water for critical applications. Manufacturers like MilliporeSigma and Thermo Fisher Scientific now offer PFAS-removal cartridges for ultrapure water systems.
