Merit Laboratories Delivers PFAS Technical Presentation for the Michigan Manufacturing Association

Maya Murshak, CEO of Merit Laboratories, delivered a technical presentation to the Michigan Manufacturers Association about Perfluorocarbons (PFCs). PFCs are commonly known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).  The presentation was held on May 8th in Lansing for members of the MMA Environmental Policy Committee and PFAS Workgroup.

Merit’s presentation was themed on why perfluorocarbons are important, addressing key PFAS scientific and technical information.  Maya’s presentation provided the audience with background information about which products and industries use PFCs and how common PFAS compounds enter the environment as byproducts of other chemicals. Of all the PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) have been the most studied.  They have been used in the manufacturing of carpet, clothing, shoes, cookware, packaging, oil and water repellents, furniture, take-out food containers, and countless other applications.  

A significant portion of the presentation also addressed the available laboratory methods used for PFAS testing, including EPA 537 and ASTM D7979 with Isotopic Dilution.  The method portion covered method specifications, when each method should be used based upon sample matrix, and program applicability.  Merit Laboratories offers two analytical options for PFAS. Analytical methods performed by Merit Laboratories include EPA 537 and ASTM D7979 with Isotopic Dilution. Maya also provided guidance on why manufacturers should perform PFAS testing and offered insight on sampling.

Please contact Merit Laboratories if you would like a copy of this PFAS technical presentation. Merit is Michigan’s PFAS environmental laboratory, analyzing groundwater, drinking water, and other sample matrices at our laboratory in East Lansing, Michigan.