Contaminant Glossary & FAQs
Have questions about water testing kits? Learn more about the chemicals in water testing and other commonly asked questions.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals widely used in various industries for their water- and grease-resistant properties. Commonly found in nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, and food packaging, these chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and the human body, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Why are PFAS Harmful?
PFAS are of growing concern due to their potential health risks, including links to cancer, liver damage, immune system effects, and developmental issues. They can contaminate drinking water and accumulate in ecosystems, prompting increased efforts in monitoring, testing, and regulating their presence in water and other environments.
Why You Should Test for PFAS
Testing for PFAS is crucial due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues. These “forever chemicals” can accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms, making water safety a key concern. Early detection helps ensure safe drinking water, supports regulatory compliance, and enables proactive remediation to protect both public health and the environment.
What's Tested in PFASt Basic?
PFAST Basic tests 6 PFAS chemicals with EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in drinking water.
The PFASt Basic tests for:
-
- HFPO-DA*
- PFBS*
- PFHxS*
- PFNA*
- PFOA*
- PFOS*
What's Tested in PFASt Plus?
PFAST Plus tests for 25 of the most common PFAS compounds including the six PFAS chemicals with EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in drinking water.
The PFASt Plus tests for:
-
- 11Cl-PF3OUdS
- 9Cl-PF3ONS
- ADONA
- HFPO-DA*
- PFBS*
- PFDA
- PFDoA
- PFHpA
- PFHxA
- PFHxS*
- PFNA*
- PFOA*
- PFOS*
- PFUnA
- 4:2FTS
- 6:2FTS
- 8:2FTS
- NFDHA
- PFBA
- PFEESA
- PFHpS
- PFMBA
- PFMPA
- PFPeA
- PFPeS
What's Tested in PFASt Pro?
PFAST Pro is a certified EPA 533 test that tests for 25 of the most common PFAS compounds including the six PFAS chemicals with EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in drinking water.
The PFASt Pro tests for:
- 11Cl-PF3OUdS
- 9Cl-PF3ONS
- ADONA
- HFPO-DA*
- PFBS*
- PFDA
- PFDoA
- PFHpA
- PFHxA
- PFHxS*
- PFNA*
- PFOA*
- PFOS*
- PFUnA
- 4:2FTS
- 6:2FTS
- 8:2FTS
- NFDHA
- PFBA
- PFEESA
- PFHpS
- PFMBA
- PFMPA
- PFPeA
- PFPeS
What's Tested in PFASt Pro Rush?
PFAST Pro Rush is a certified EPA 533 test that tests for 25 of the most common PFAS compounds including the six PFAS chemicals with EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in drinking water. Results are available after 3 days in the lab.
The PFASt Pro Rush tests for:
- 11Cl-PF3OUdS
- 9Cl-PF3ONS
- ADONA
- HFPO-DA*
- PFBS*
- PFDA
- PFDoA
- PFHpA
- PFHxA
- PFHxS*
- PFNA*
- PFOA*
- PFOS*
- PFUnA
- 4:2FTS
- 6:2FTS
- 8:2FTS
- NFDHA
- PFBA
- PFEESA
- PFHpS
- PFMBA
- PFMPA
- PFPeA
- PFPeS
