PFAS Surface Wiping – Performance Evaluation Study
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), widely used in firefighting applications, are a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. This is particularly evident at military, industrial, and aviation sites, where both training exercises and accidents contribute to environmental loading. PFAS compounds in AFFF formulations encompass a broad spectrum of chemicals, many of which are associated with adverse environmental and human health effects. Regulatory pressure is intensifying globally, with increasing bans and restrictions on legacy PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Although modern AFFF formulations often utilize fluorotelomer-based compounds, these substances continue to raise environmental concerns.
Over the past year, Eurofins has offered a “triple wipe” surface sampling method designed to assess e.g. PFAS contamination and evaluate cleaning efficacy. This study aimed to assess the performance of the method in detecting PFAS residues from AFFF on stainless-steel surfaces.
Two AFFF formulations were evaluated: AFFF A (PFOS-based) and AFFF B (fluorotelomer-based). Targeted PFAS analysis identified PFOS as the predominant compound in AFFF A, while 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonamide betaine (6:2 FTAB) was dominant in AFFF B. The triple wipe method demonstrated high recovery efficiency: the first wipe recovered 60–65% of PFAS, the second 15–20%, and the third 5–10%. Total recoveries ranged from 79–94% for compounds including PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFHxA, and 6:2 FTAB. The method showed consistent performance across replicates and remained robust even in the presence of high concentrations of non-fluorinated surfactants.
The Eurofins triple wipe method is a reliable tool for assessing PFAS contamination on AFFF-impacted surfaces, particularly stainless steel. High recovery rates indicate strong performance, making the method suitable for post-cleaning verification in fire protection systems. However, caution is warranted when applying the method to porous or plastic materials, where quantification may be less reliable. This approach supports regulatory compliance and environmental monitoring, especially in contexts transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foams. Overall, the method provides a practical and effective solution for surface-level PFAS detection in industrial and environmental settings. Full details of the study are available in our white paper (link below).
Eurofins offers a surface wiping kit that includes isopropanol wipes, a sample tube, and a pair of gloves. A detailed sampling instruction is provided, outlining the procedure and listing four available analytical packages. Optional reporting of sample weight is also available to facilitate recalculation of PFAS concentrations per surface area.
Links
White paper: under Publications
Sampling instruction: under Downloads
For inquiries regarding PFAS or to order sampling kits, please contact us