PFAS TOP Assay Testing
Why is PFAS TOP Assay testing necessary?
Foam concentrates and discharge water from cleaning foam systems should be tested to ensure PFAS levels comply with local POPs regulations using TOP Assay testing.
Briefly, legacy C8 foams, which have not been manufactured since 2015, can break down over time to persistent compounds such as PFOA which have harmful effects on the environment.
C6 foams tend to have PFAS levels within the current regulations and are said to be compliant. F3 foams are not manufactured with fluorosurfactants and therefore don’t contain PFAS chemicals amongst their breakdown products.
Sometimes there are residues of legacy C8 degradation products in storage tanks, so testing can make it clear whether your tank and foam system has been properly cleaned and your new foam is uncontaminated and still compliant with the latest regulations. We can advise on what you will need to do should your sample contain levels of PFAS chemicals that exceed the current limits.
Please contact us if you’re unsure of your foam type or need any help with shipping.
How to get your PFAS Assay testing
Step 1: Choose your testing
Step 2: Collect your sample
For each PFAS TOP Assay test sample, we require1 Litre of liquid.
Samples should be sent in clean, sealed, clearly labelled plastic bottles.
Step 3: Label your sample
We need certain information to be included on your sample, for example foam type, sample location and foam concentration (%). This ensures the sample is tested against the correct parameters.
An example can be seen here:
A blank template can be downloaded from here.
Step 5: Print a Safety Data Sheet
Include a copy of the manufacturer’s safety data sheet along with your sample.
This is a required document for both shipping and testing.
Step 6: Package & Send
Package your labelled sample, Foam Testing Request Form and Safety Data Sheet in a suitable box or container and send it to us.
An address label template can be downloaded from here.
Need help with shipping? Contact us for more information.
Step 7: Testing & Report
On receipt of your samples, we’ll get to work.
PFAS TOP Assay testing has a standard 15-working day turnaround. Your report will be emailed to you.
A copy of these steps including a checklist to help make sure nothing has been missed can be downloaded from here.
Other Test Services Available
Foam Concentrate Testing
Evaluates whether your stored foam is in a satisfactory condition and remains compliant with international standards.
Produced Foam Testing
Determine whether a foam system’s proportioning and induction equipment is accurate and fit for purpose.
IMO Foam Concentrate Testing
Required to be done by many maritime administrations and bodies on foam stored on board ships in international waters.