Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. Known for their resistance to water, grease, and stains, PFAS are commonly found in:
- Non-stick cookware
- Water-repellent clothing
- Stain-resistant carpets and upholstery
- Firefighting foams
- Food packaging and industrial surfactants
But these useful properties come at a cost: PFAS do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to long-term persistence and bioaccumulation. As a result, PFAS are increasingly linked to adverse health effects, including:
- Hormonal disruption
- Liver and kidney damage
- Immune system effects
- Increased risk of certain cancers
Due to these risks, PFAS are under growing regulatory scrutiny across the United States.
Key PFAS Regulatory Updates (2023–2024)
Here’s a breakdown of major federal actions aimed at monitoring, regulating, and reducing PFAS exposure:
UCMR 5 Monitoring Program
January 2023 – December 2025
- Over 10,000 Public Water Systems (PWS) are being sampled for 29 PFAS compounds.
- Data will inform the EPA’s future regulatory decisions.
RCRA Proposed Rule
February 2024
- EPA proposed to list 9 PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
CERCLA Final Rule
April 2024
- EPA officially designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, impacting cleanup and liability under Superfund.
SDWA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)
April 2024
- The EPA finalized enforceable drinking water standards for 6 PFAS compounds under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
CWA NPDES Permits & Wastewater
March 26, 2024
- The EPA is collecting nationwide data on PFAS in wastewater discharges and POTW influent/effluent/sludge.
- This study will support new permit limits and regulatory controls.
PFAS Testing: Approved Methods & Sample Containers
Proper sampling and containerization are critical for PFAS testing. Below is a quick reference to EPA-approved methods and the corresponding sample containers:
| Item | Method 537.1 Part #LPV008249600 | Method 533 Part #LPV008294600 | Method 1633 Part #LPV008200660 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix | DW | DW | WW, GW, SW, Solid/Sediment, Leachate |
| Number of Compounds | 18 | 25 | 40 |
| Container Type | 250 mL HDPE PP cap | 250 mL HDPE pp cap | 250 mL HDPE PP cap |
| Preservative | Tris/Tris HCI (1.25 g) | Ammonium Acetate (250 mg) | None |
| Hold Time | Shipping: 10° C or lower. Lab: 6° C or lower until extraction; extract within 14 days of collection. Samples must not be frozen. | Shipping: 2 days at 10° C or lower. Lab: 6° C or lower until extraction; extract within 28 days of collection. Samples must not be frozen. | Shipping: 48 hours at 6° C or lower. Lab: 90 days from collection at -20° C, or, 28 days from collection at 4° C. |
C&G Containers: PFAS-Ready Sample Containers
C&G Containers provides PFAS-free containers that meet EPA method specifications. Our products ensure:
- No background contamination
- Proper preservatives included
- Compliant shipping and storage conditions
- Traceable lot certification
Whether you’re a lab, environmental consultant, or public agency, we have the container solutions you need for reliable PFAS testing.
Download Our PFAS Sample Container Guide
Need a quick reference? Download the PFAS Sampling & Container Guide (PDF)
Stay Compliant. Stay Safe. Choose C&G Containers.
As PFAS regulations continue to evolve, you need a partner who understands the science and the standards. C&G Containers is here to support your compliance efforts with reliable, PFAS-free solutions.
Have questions or need custom packaging? Contact us today.