WWEM - Abstract

Abstract Information :

Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are one of the major classes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are one of the most well-known precursors of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). Their presence in surface water, groundwater and drinking water supplies represents a potential risk to human health and the environment. ALS has developed a sensitive, selective and robust analytical method to identify and quantify FTOHs using gas chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). This presentation will provide an overview of FTOHs, their main uses, fate and transport and pathways for exposure. The widespread application of fluorotelomer-based substances has resulted in the extensive occurrence of FTOHs in the environment. Recent studies have focused on FTOH sources and distribution in environmental media and human health risks. Human exposure to FTOH mainly occurs through ingestion pathways such as diet and drinking water. FTOHs require additional consideration in term of sampling and analysis. The FTOHs are too volatile for the liquid chromatography due to their low boiling points and high vapour pressures. The use of GC-MS/MS with positive chemical ionisation (PCI) improves sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability of determining FTOHs.