Media Room

PFAS - the Forever Chemical

PFAS is known as the - Forever Chemical - and continues to draw global attention to its impact on, and the important issues surrounding, one of our most critical natural resources ... water. Agilent and our partners play an important part in helping deliver a wide range of solutions to address these issues, and we continue to focus our work in the area of PFAS.

PFAS - the Forever Chemical

Unlocking the Importance of PFAS Testing Across Industries

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), once hailed as technological marvels for their versatility, have now emerged as a significant environmental challenge. These anthropogenic chemicals, often referred to as “The Forever Chemicals,” persist in our ecosystems long after their initial use. PFAS are ubiquitous, infiltrating soil, water, and air. Their persistent nature demands rigorous monitoring. By understanding their fate in the environment, we can help to mitigate their impact on ecosystems.

 

Investigating the full trajectory of PFAS—from production to disposal—allows us to pinpoint sources and assess their effects on the planet. Industries spanning from chemical manufacturing to bio/pharma are recognizing the urgency, recognizing the potential risks. Implementing robust PFAS testing protocols ensures that industries maintain control over their processes. Whether it’s in the production of textiles, electronics, or firefighting foams, understanding PFAS levels helps prevent unintended contamination.

 

PFAS testing transcends boundaries—it’s not just an environmental concern but a collective responsibility across industries. By unraveling the mysteries of these persistent chemicals, we pave the way for a safer, more sustainable future.

Featured Article

  • Combating PFAS

    'The Forever Chemical' Contamination

    Providing scientists with technology to accurately analyze PFAS chemicals is a critical first step for estimating human exposure and potential risk.

    Read article

PFAS: Water Testing

  • Challenges of a Regulated Landscape 

    Start-to-Finish Workflows for PFAS Analysis

    With research confirming that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and a health concern, calls for more regulatory guidance and stringent requirements have increased.

    Read article

Agilent Thought Leader Award Winner

  • Professor Jennifer Field Ph.D.
    Oregon State University

    Dr. Field, a professor of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology at Oregon State University, conducts pioneering research on PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals". These chemicals pose a significant risk to human health and wildlife because of their resistance to biodegradation. 

    Read Customer Story

Infographics

    • PFAS in Milk & Infant Formula

       

      Sensitive and reliable analytical techniques are required for the monitoring of PFAS. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem quadrupole mass spec (LC-MS/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI) has been the technique used most for analysis of PFAS in foods.

       

      View Infographic

PFAS Customer Stories

Professor Bradley Clarke
  • RMIT University, Australia
Professor Ralph Hindle
  • Vogon Labs, Canada
Professor Michael Thurman
  • University of Colorado, United States
Professor Christian Zweiner
  • University of Tuebingen, Germany
Agustin Pierri Ph.D.
  • Technical Director Weck Laboratories
Erin Baker Ph.D.
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Agilent PFAS Solutions Media Room

Agilent Solutions

Agilent provides solutions for the detection and analysis of PFAS. Complete end-to-end workflows for extraction, quantification, and reporting of PFAS in the environment. These includes sample containment, sample preparation tools, extraction products, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry as well as Agilent InfinityLab PFC-free HPLC Conversion Kit.

    • Agilent Revident LC/Q-TOF

      The Revident LC/Q-TOF embodies the next generation of quadrupole time-of-flight instruments featuring truly innovative (electronic) instrument architecture together with instrument intelligence, a novel, ultrafast detector, and an updated, robust calibrant delivery system.

      Learn More

    • Agilent 6495D Triple Quadrupole LC/MS

      The new 6495D triple quadrupole LC/MS system is an ultrahigh-performance system built for research and testing labs investigating large batches of samples. Equipped with the latest, innovative iFunnel technology, this LC/MS/MS achieves ppq-level detection limits for the most challenging analytes in heavy matrix, for example in omics, food, and environmental analysis, while providing high precision at sub-millisecond dwell times.

      Learn more

    • Agilent Ultivo Triple Quadrupole LC/MS (LC/TQ)

      Ultivo is a compact, stackable triple quadrupole LC/MS/MS that eliminates the MS footprint by incorporating the mass spectrometer into the HPLC stack. Representing a transformative approach to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, Ultivo provides the fit-for-purpose, straightforward, and rugged LC/MS analysis you expect from larger comparable systems, but at a fraction of their size.

      Learn More

    • Agilent 1260 Infinity II Hybrid Multisampler

      The 1260 Infinity II Hybrid Multisampler is an HPLC autosampler that offers both classical flow-through injection and Agilent Feed Injection modes. In classical flow-through mode, the mobile phase delivered by the HPLC pump flows through the loaded sample loop. In Feed Injection mode, sample is infused continuously into the mobile phase stream.

      Learn More