Presentation Profile
PFAS in Air: Regulatory and Standards Landscape, Method Development, and Workflow Guidance
Currently Scheduled: 10/15/2025 - 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Room: Tulip
Main Author
Caroline Widdowson - Markes International
Abstract:
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of highly persistent chemicals that are now recognized as a global concern. While much attention has focused on water and soil, PFAS can also be emitted into the air during industrial processes, product use, and waste handling. Once airborne, they may travel long distances, making air a critical pathway for dispersion and exposure. Testing for PFAS in air is challenging. They can exist both as vapors and bound to particles, they occur at very low concentrations, and background contamination can easily compromise results. For industry and environmental consultants tasked with source emission testing and environmental monitoring, understanding these challenges and the expectations of regulators is essential. This presentation is designed to give attendees a clear overview of the current landscape for PFAS air monitoring. We will outline practical considerations for sampling and analysis, highlight the importance of contamination control, and provide updates on U.S. and international efforts toward method development, standardization, and regulatory guidance. Example workflows using thermal desorption coupled with GC–MS (TD–GC–MS) will also be discussed, showing how these techniques can be applied to real-world PFAS air testing. By clarifying what is expected of industry, regulators and consultants, and by sharing both U.S. and global perspectives, the session will equip participants with the knowledge needed to approach PFAS air testing with confidence and consistency.
