PFAS Special Feature: Measurement Equipment (LCMSMS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) refer to a group of organic fluorine compounds, specifically perfluoroalkyl compounds and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, with over 10,000 substances identified. Among PFAS, PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) have been used in a wide range of applications. Due to their properties of being persistent, highly accumulative, and capable of long-range transport, efforts for regulation and risk management are being advanced domestically. In May 2020, the Ministry of the Environment added PFOS and PFOA to the list of substances requiring monitoring for the protection of human health and set a provisional guideline value of 50 ng/L or less (for the total of PFOS and PFOA).