Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly called PFAS, are a large family of man-made chemicals used in many everyday products such as food packaging, cleaning products, personal care items, textiles, and industrial coatings.
PFAS are persistent in the environment and have been detected worldwide in air, water, soil, and living organisms. People can be exposed by breathing, drinking, eating, or contacting materials that contain these compounds. Studies have linked PFAS exposure with a variety of potential health effects, including certain cancers, pregnancy and reproductive issues, changes in cholesterol levels, and other outcomes that are still being studied.
When most people think of PFAS they think of drinking water. Air can also play an important role in how these compounds move through the environment. PFAS can attach to airborne particles or exist in the gas phase, then travel long distances and deposit back to land or water.
Measuring PFAS in ambient air helps agencies and researchers understand how these chemicals move, where they may be depositing, and how communities may be exposed. It is also an important line of evidence when evaluating emission sources and the effectiveness of control strategies.
Tisch Environmental has been involved in PFAS research and air sampling projects for many years. Our samplers are used by state agencies, universities, and independent laboratories to collect PFAS in ambient air for subsequent laboratory analysis.
A common approach uses our polyurethane foam (PUF) high volume samplers together with established methods such as EPA Method TO-13A. PUF media can capture semi-volatile organic compounds and has been shown to be effective for many PFAS species in air. In other projects, passive air samplers provide a low maintenance way to track PFAS and other persistent organic pollutants over weeks or months.
The right sampling strategy depends on your objectives, available infrastructure, and analytical capabilities. Typical approaches include:
Our team can help you think through flow rates, deployment times, media choices, and how best to integrate PFAS measurements into existing air monitoring networks.
The equipment below is commonly used in PFAS air and deposition monitoring programs. These platforms can be customized to fit your flow requirements, media choices, and site constraints.
Tisch Environmental samplers have been used in PFAS monitoring projects carried out by state agencies and research groups. The reports below provide helpful background on how PFAS air and deposition studies can be structured.
An example of a statewide PFAS air and deposition study that uses outdoor samplers and laboratory analysis to track PFAS in air and precipitation.
Case study describing the deployment of air samplers and PUF media across multiple sites to characterize PFAS concentrations and support public health decisions.
Whether you are starting a pilot study or expanding an established network, our team can help match PFAS sampling approaches to your objectives and budget.
Contact Tisch EnvironmentalOur team of experienced technicians can help you find the right equipment for any project. Contact us to discuss your sampling needs!
