PFOA Testing

1. Introduction to Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), with the molecular formula C8HO2F15, commonly known as C8, has a molecular weight of 414.07 and appears as white crystals. It is slightly soluble in water, with a melting point of 52-56°C and a boiling point of 189°C. It is produced from octanoyl chloride via electrochemical fluorination. PFOA is a synthetic chemical that is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT), as well as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB). It is difficult to degrade and, once absorbed by the human body, accumulates and interferes with endocrine functions, affecting normal metabolism and reproduction.

2. Applications of PFOA

It is primarily used as a dispersant in the polymerization of polytetrafluoroethylene and fluororubber, and also as a raw material for preparing water- and oil-repellents and as a beneficiation agent.

(1) Used as a dispersant for the polymerization of CTFE, TFE, and fluororubber.

(2) Mainly used as a surfactant, emulsifier; PFOA and its sodium or ammonium salts serve as dispersants in the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene and the production of fluororubber. They are also used as raw materials for preparing water- and oil-repellents and as beneficiation agents.

(3) Employed as an efficient surfactant, dispersant, and additive. PFOA and its derivatives, as important organic intermediates, can be used to synthesize fluorine-containing water- and oil-repellents, leather finishing agents, and other products.

Applications of PFOA and its derivative products include surface treatment of household products (such as non-stick cookware) and convenience food packaging.

3. Relevant Standards

In the International Standard Classification, PFOA is involved in leather technology, analytical chemistry, chemical products, and water quality.

In the Chinese Standard Classification, PFOA relates to fur and leather, basic standards and general methods, chemical auxiliaries basic standards and general methods, analysis methods for toxic substances in water environments, basic standards and general methods, basic standards and general methods.

(1) State Administration for Market Regulation, Standardization Administration of China

GB/T 36929 Leather and fur—Chemical tests—Determination of perfluorooctane sulfonyl compounds (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) substances

(2) General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, Standardization Administration of China

GB/T 33893 Determination of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in separation membranes—Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

(3) Professional Testing Methods and Regulations (Physicochemical)

GB 31604.35 National food safety standard—Determination of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in food contact materials and products

GB 5009.253 National food safety standard—Determination of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in animal-derived foods

(4) General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine

GB/T 29493.2 Determination of hazardous substances in textile dyeing and finishing auxiliaries—Part 2: Determination of perfluorooctane sulfonyl compounds (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

(5) General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine

SN/T 2257 Determination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in polytetrafluoroethylene materials and non-stick pan coatings—Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

(6) Japanese Industrial Standards Committee

JIS K0450-70-10 Testing method for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in industrial water and wastewater

(7) Zhejiang Provincial Standard

DB33/T 749 Determination of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in textiles and leather—Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

(8) British Standards Institution

ISO 25101 Water quality—Determination of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)—Method for unfiltered samples using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

(9) International Organization for Standardization

ISO 25101 Water quality—Determination of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)—Method for unfiltered samples using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry