PFOA classified as carcinogenic according to IARC/WHO
The two “classic” PFAS compounds, PFOS and PFOA, have for a long time been suspected to have carcinogenic properties. IARC (The International Agency for Research on Cancer) which is a part of WHO, has now made a new review of these chemicals. The evaluation concludes that PFOA is to be seen as a carcinogen, causing cancer in humans. PFOA is given a Group 1 classification, which is the highest strength of evidence category, and the decision is based on results from both animal and human exposure together with a strong mechanistic understanding. PFOS is considered as being possibly carcinogenic to humans with a Group 2B label. The assessment was made in the form of an IARC monograph and a summary paper has now been published in The Lancet Oncology (see links).
The new classifications implying a cancer risk put further light on PFAS and may lead to a more cautious risk assessment of PFOA and PFOS. Although regulated and (partly) banned through the Stockholm Convention the two substances can be found everywhere, in water, soil, sludge etc but also in (older) products. In turn the food chain can be affected and significant levels of in particular PFOS can be found in e.g. fish and shellfish. Moreover, there are other PFAS substances, so called precursors, that can degrade to e.g. PFOA and PFOS among other perfluorinated PFAS.
Eurofins can offer a wide range of PFAS analysis, both in terms of number of compounds and matrices. In total we can determine 50+ PFAS and matrices include water, soil, food, biota, products, waste etc. For more information on both PFAS and our offer visit our special PFAS webpage where background, analytical packages, regulations, news, contacts etc are presented (link below). For environmental matrices further details on packages and single tests can be found in our search engine.
Links
IARC news
The Lancet Oncology (paper available free of charge after registration acc to publisher)
The Guardian
SR (Swe radio)
Eurofins PFAS homepage
Eurofins search engine