SGS Unveils PFAS Testing

Geneva — SGS, a testing, inspection and certification company, has unveiled a suite of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing services for all industries. From consumer products and electronics to food and the environment, SGS offers tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each sector.

SGS aims to partner with organizations looking to foster a positive impact on society and the environment. Its teams provide testing to support stakeholders in meeting regulatory requirements and demonstrating product safety. This helps minimize PFAS contamination, protect public health, safeguard the environment, and prevent harmful leaching from products, the company said.

Recently, SGS supported a New Jersey study on PFAS levels in water, soil and fish that contributed towards fish consumption advisories to protect at-risk consumers. 

PFAS are a diverse group of chemicals, useful for their oil and water repellant properties, that are recognized as persistent, toxic and harmful to human health and the environment. Prolonged exposure to PFAS can cause a wide range of conditions, from cancer and thyroid disease to impaired fertility and weakened immune response, said SGS.

SGS has worked on PFAS detection since news of PFAS contamination in Parkersburg, Va., in the early 2000s drew attention to their considerable health risks. Upon request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company developed the benchmark reference method for PFAS testing, known as the EPA 1633 method, for the U.S. Environment Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense.

“With growing global scrutiny on PFAS and their impact on health and the environment, our expanded testing services empower businesses to take proactive steps in mitigating these risks,” said Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS. “We are proud to be at the forefront of this effort, providing trusted solutions that promote safety and sustainability.”