Standardization News

A new subcommittee will develop standards on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are present in consumer products. PFAS are a group of chemicals that are used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water.

The new subcommittee on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (F15.81) will operate under the jurisdiction of ASTM’s consumer products committee (F15).

“PFAS are intentionally added to or inadvertently present as a component in a significant number of consumer products,” says ASTM International member Rock Vitale, co-chair of the subcommittee. “The new subcommittee will develop standards that provide guidance on how to prepare and analyze a wide variety of consumer product samples for PFAS.”

Vitale, technical director of chemistry, Environmental Standards, says that the subcommittee’s work will benefit manufacturers, consumers, and laboratories.

“These standards will provide useful information to legislative and regulatory bodies and trade associations regarding the presence and levels of PFAS in consumer products,” says ASTM Jeff Stull, co-chair of the subcommittee, and president, International Personnel Protection, Inc. While there are more than 9,000 PFAS compounds in commerce, the standards developed by the subcommittee will focus on those that are of greatest pertinence to human and environmental health.

This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #3 on good health and well-being, #6 on clean water, #14 on life below water.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Chemical engineers, analytical chemists, and advocacy group technical personnel are particularly encouraged to join the subcommittee. JOIN ASTM.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals Supported: