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Standards Development
The proposed document will specify a method for the determination of the sum of selected perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS).
The method covers at least the substances needed for the calculation of the 'Sum of PFASs ' according to Annex III, part B, point 3 of the new European drinking water directive (draft). Currently the DWD comprises the perfluoralkyl acids C4 to C13 as well as the perfluoralkyl sulfonic acids C4 to C13.
Other matrices like groundwater and additional substances like HFPO-DA (GenX) and ADONA or perfluoralkansulfonamides (FASA) will be included if possible. The lower application range of the method can vary depending on the sensitivity of the equipment used and the matrix of the sample. For most compounds to which this document applies ≥0,2 ng/l as limit of quantification can be achieved. Actual levels can depend on the blank levels realized by individual laboratory.
The applicability of the method to further substances, not listed in the annex of the DWD, or to further types of water is not excluded, but is intended to be validated separately for each individual case.
PFAS are indeed a high priority for Europe and the EU Commission, which is currently preparing its new Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and its PFAS Action Plan. These may refer to potential additional regulatory initiatives to address PFAS, including as a group.
The current discussion has shown that the new European Drinking Water Directive requires the Commission by 3 years after entry into force to establish technical guidelines regarding the analytical methods, including detection limits and parameter values and frequency of sampling for monitoring of ‘PFAS total’ and ‘Sum of PFAS’ (new Article 13 (7). The values for PFAS total and Sum of PFASs shall apply by 3 years after end-date for transposition.
As a first step, it is intended to develop and to publish in the shortest possible formal time frame a single substance standard for the sum of perfluorinated substances (Sum of PFAS) in drinking water. This method will include the determination of the 20 target PFAS listed in ANNEX III of the new DWD. Furthermore, some relevant new PFAS (replacements) like GenX and ADONA will be included as possible.
Finally, the Commission sent a letter of intent to CEN (see attachment: Ares(2020)3961434 - Reply CEN TC 230 PFAS Standard.pdf). In this letter, the COM encourages TC 230 to develop an appropriate standard and appreciates the planned work.
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