Advancing PFAS Testing: 3 Actions to Consider

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the most pressing environmental and public health challenges today. With their persistence in the environment and potential impacts on communities, industries, and regulators alike, advancing PFAS testing requires both scientific innovation and practical, actionable solutions. In our recent webinar, we shared perspectives that highlight where the field is heading and how organizations can take action.

Here are three takeaways from the session:

1. Building Practical PFAS Testing Strategies for Communities 

Advancing PFAS testing means coupling rigorous science with actionable, everyday solutions, and national testing strategies must be grounded in real-world needs. From developing RTI’s CleanPlus portfolio of programs to advising households and communities on affordable solutions, it’s clear that PFAS testing cannot stop at data collection—it must translate into practical tools people can use in their day-to-day. For example, we’re working to make sampling plans more accessible and developing a publicly available risk mapper tool to help communities better understand and manage their potential exposures. 

2. Innovating Beyond Regulatory Methods 

There is a great need to push PFAS testing beyond existing frameworks. For example, non-targeted analysis can uncover PFAS in unexpected places, from disaster recovery scenarios to complex food and packaging samples, helping teams make more informed decisions. The most strategic approaches to advancing PFAS testing must not only meet today’s regulatory requirements but also anticipate tomorrow’s challenges—and build innovative methods to address them.

3. Strengthening Data Quality through Proficiency Testing 

Proficiency testing (PT) is essential for producing reliable PFAS data across laboratories and industries. Well-designed PT programs mirror the complexities of real-world samples, helping laboratories validate methods, refine performance, and generate data they can trust. As PFAS testing becomes increasingly challenging, PT serves as the foundation for confident decision-making. To deliver meaningful, actionable results rigorous quality programs that connect academic research, regulatory oversight, and industrial practice are needed.

These insights are just the beginning of the conversation. To hear the full discussion, including case studies, regulatory perspectives, and practical guidance from experts Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, Imari Walker Franklin, and Lisa Greene, we invite you to watch the webinar on demand.

Access the full webinar recording and presentation slides by completing the form below.