PFAS are a global issue. But what exactly is it?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals used since the 1940s to make products resistant to heat, water and oil. They’re found in everyday items like nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and firefighting gear and foams. Because PFAS do not easily break down, they persist in the environment for decades, earning the nickname “forever chemicals.” Over time, they accumulate in soil, water, wildlife, and people.
PFAS is a problem. Here’s why.
The durability that makes PFAS useful in products also makes them a serious environmental and health concern. Studies have linked certain PFAS to developmental issues, immune system impacts, liver damage, and increased risk of some cancers. PFAS contamination is now found in drinking water and ecosystems across the world. The scale is staggering. Thousands of PFAS compounds are in use, and many are spreading far beyond their original sources, creating a cleanup and monitoring challenge estimated to cost tens of billions of dollars worldwide.
The total PFAS screening solution
Forever Analytical delivers PFAS screening that is faster, more comprehensive, and more adaptable than traditional methods, helping organizations get clear answers when and where they need them. Our technology comprehensively screens PFAS with high sensitivity, enabling informed decisions and proactive compliance.
How our novel PFAS analysis works
Our system uses a proven, non-destructive analytical method to measure both total fluorine (TF) and total organic fluorine (TOF) in a wide range of sample types—water, wastewater, soil, consumer and industrial products, and more. By detecting the unique gamma-ray signature emitted when fluorine atoms are excited, the technique captures the presence of thousands of PFAS compounds in a single test, without the need to target specific chemicals. Measuring both TF and TOF provides a more complete picture of potential PFAS content and other fluorinated compounds, including those that traditional methods may overlook.
We go where PFAS are with field-deployable detection systems
Currently in development is a first-in-class, compact, field-deployable proton accelerator designed for safe operation both inside and outside of a traditional laboratory. This advanced device generates a controlled proton beam that interacts with samples in the air, enabling on-site PFAS screening in minutes. Its rugged, portable form factor allows testing at industrial sites, water treatment facilities, environmental remediation sites, and other remote field locations, bringing high-sensitivity detection capabilities of PFAS directly to the point of need.