What Are PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of approximately 14,000 synthetic chemicals widely used for their water-resistant, stain-repellent, grease-proof, and heat-resistant properties.
PFAS were first developed in 1938 following the invention of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), better known as Teflon™, a heat-resistant fluoropolymer commonly used in non-stick cookware and industrial coatings.
Today, PFAS are found in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including:
-
Non-stick cookware
-
Waterproof fabrics
-
Firefighting foams
-
Food packaging (e.g., pizza boxes)
-
Shaving creams
-
Cosmetic products
In cosmetics, PFAS are added to improve smoothness, spreadability, durability, and water resistance.
Why Are PFAS Called “Forever Chemicals”?
PFAS are also known to be added to cosmetics as a means to smooth the skin, or to make cosmetic products more durable, spreadable and water resistant. Worryingly, an increasing international body of evidence has linked PFAS to cancers, birth defects and negative effects on the immune systems of humans and animals. Additionally, the highly resistant properties of these chemicals makes them exceptionally difficult to degrade naturally. Evidently, the extremely high thermal and chemical stability of PFAS is due to the presence of, single or multiple, exceptionally strong carbon-fluorine bonds.
Consequently this has given rise to the rather sinister nickname of “Forever Chemicals“. As unsettling as it may sound, this is a misnomer. It is entirely possible to recover these chemicals from the environment and denature them via chemical engineering. However, this process is complex and costly.
New Zealand’s PFAS Ban in Cosmetics by 2026
New Zealand is set to become one of the first countries to ban PFAS in cosmetic products. Guided by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the government aims to phase out PFAS in cosmetics by 2026.
Dr. Shaun Presow, EPA Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager, stated:
“We know these chemicals don’t easily break down, they can build up in our bodies, and some can be toxic at high levels.”
Following public consultation, including submissions from the cosmetics industry, support was shown for the precautionary regulatory approach.
This move forms part of a broader strategy to reduce exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and minimise environmental contamination risks.
Where Are PFAS Found in the Environment?
Despite being present in a limited number of consumer products, PFAS contamination has been detected in:
-
Drinking water sources
-
Groundwater
-
Rainwater
-
Sea foam and sea spray
-
Sea ice
-
Human blood samples
These findings highlight the widespread environmental mobility and persistence of PFAS compounds.
The New Zealand EPA has taken a precautionary approach, emphasising the need to control lesser-known exposure routes and monitor background contamination levels.
PFAS Testing, Analysis, and Environmental Monitoring
As regulatory pressure increases globally, demand for accurate PFAS testing, environmental monitoring, and analytical standards continues to grow.
Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. (CIL) provides a comprehensive portfolio of:
-
Stable isotope-labelled PFAS standards
-
Native PFAS analytical standards
-
Reference materials for environmental, food, water, and human exposure studies
These products support high-precision PFAS detection using advanced analytical techniques such as LC-MS/MS and other environmental testing platforms.
For further technical information and product specifications, please refer to the downloadable PDF.
