Sustainability Day serves as an important reminder of the global commitment to protecting our planet and promoting practices that ensure a cleaner, healthier future. On this day, the spotlight turns to some of the most pressing environmental challenges, one of which continues to be a growing threat, Per/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)—also known as "forever chemicals."
 

For decades, discussions about the harmful effects of PFAS were largely confined to scientific journals and symposiums. However, this is no longer the case. Today, these forever chemicals are making regular headlines, from their alarming presence in water supplies to their serious health implications.

Because PFAS resist breaking down over time, their accumulation in the environment poses an escalating threat. Tackling the problem is not just a scientific challenge; it’s a critical sustainability issue that demands innovation and action.
 

The PFAS dilemma: a growing concern
 

First introduced in the 1940s, PFAS were hailed for their durability and resistance to water, oil, and heat, making them essential in products like nonstick cookware, textiles, and firefighting foams. Unfortunately, these properties that have made PFAS so useful also prevents them from breaking down over time. This allows them to accumulate in the environment and human blood, raising serious health concerns such as cancer, immune disorders, infertility, and obesity.

Despite growing awareness of their dangers, PFAS contamination remains widespread. From polluted rivers and agricultural lands to contaminated drinking water, the presence of these substances is alarming. Studies show that PFAS can now be detected in both urban and rural areas worldwide, raising concerns about long-term exposure for communities and ecosystems.
 

Exposure we can’t escape
 

Recent findings from the American Environmental Protection Agency suggest that at least 60% of the US population could be exposed to toxic PFAS in drinking water. Meanwhile, in Europe, a study by PAN Europe revealed that the number of fruits and vegetables containing at least one PFAS pesticide has tripled over the last 10 years. The Forever Pollution Project, a European media-led venture, has identified 17,000 sites across the continent contaminated with PFAS, including 20 manufacturing facilities.

Unsurprisingly, these chemicals are also making their way into our bloodstreams. In January of this year, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), in partnership with ChemSec, tested a group of European politicians for PFAS contamination. Up to seven PFAS were found in all, with five politicians exceeding existing safety levels. The overall results mirror the average levels of exposure across the continent, according to the EEB.
 

The need for advanced testing
 

To understand the ecological impact, set regulations, and monitor PFAS contamination levels, consistent and accurate testing is essential. Even trace amounts of PFAS have been proven to negatively impact biodiversity and human health, meaning these substances need to be measured at parts-per-trillion levels.

Agilent is at the forefront of developing advanced analytical technologies to detect and quantify PFAS in water, soil, and air. Our comprehensive workflows and cutting-edge mass spectrometry tools, like our high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) and tandem quadrupole LC/MS systems, provide the ultra-high sensitivity needed to measure these chemicals at parts-per-trillion levels. This ensures that regulators and industries can rely on precise data to guide their environmental actions.
 

Sustainability at our core
 

At Agilent, sustainability is not just a goal—it’s at the core of our solutions. Our efforts to combat PFAS contamination are part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. Recently, our Ultivo triple quadrupole LC/MS technology played a vital role in investigations into PFAS contamination in the UK caused by toxic substances from a nearby chemical plant. We helped identify over 700 PFAS compounds in a protected river system. These findings drew the attention of the UK Environmental Agency, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement of testing methodologies.
 

Innovation for a cleaner tomorrow
 

On Sustainability Day, while the world reflects on how to build a sustainable future, Agilent is committed to advancing the science that can help solve today’s most pressing environmental challenges. The fight against PFAS is not only about addressing contamination but also about pioneering sustainable technologies that can one day help phase out harmful chemicals altogether.

The key to a cleaner, more sustainable future lies in collaboration, innovation, and science-driven solutions. At Agilent, we are proud to lead the way in providing the technologies that empower industries and regulators to take meaningful action—ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come.

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