PharmTech LCGC Sciex Webinar 11.10

Environmental Analysis

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) often make headlines as health agencies worldwide work to regulate their use. While most restrictions focus on PFAS in drinking water, the primary exposure pathway, scientists are increasingly investigating alternative routes, such as dermal absorption from cosmetics, sunscreens, and other everyday products.

Image courtesy of Peaslee

An investigation into fluoroelastomer watch bands has revealed high levels of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). LCGC International spoke to Professor Graham Peaslee from the University of Notre Dame about his team’s study using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and PFHxA's potential for dermal absorption, and the subsequent environmental and health impacts.

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University of Valencia scientists recently developed a method using solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC–HRMS/MS) for detecting microplastics and other harmful substances in textiles.