PFAS Basics, Part 1

Why attend this webinar? PFAS regulations evolve rapidly, but the underlying science remains complex and often misunderstood. Whether you're new to PFAS or need to explain these issues to stakeholders, this foundational presentation provides the essential technical and regulatory context for informed decision-making. As the first in our webinar series, this session serves as a primer for the specialized topics, including analytical methods, the state of the union, forensic tools, and matrix-specific applications covered in subsequent presentations.

What you'll learn:

Understanding PFAS Chemistry and Nomenclature
PFAS aren't a single chemical—they're a family of many synthetic fluorinated compounds with unique properties. We'll demystify the complex chemistry that make PFAS a challenge in many respects, explain the distinction between long-chain "legacy" compounds and short-chain alternatives or precursors and terminal products, and clarify confusing terminology (PFOA, PFOS, GenX, precursors, polymers, and more).

Sources and Pathways: Where PFAS Come From
PFAS contamination stems from diverse industrial and commercial applications including firefighting foam (AFFF), metal plating, semiconductors, food packaging, textiles, and consumer products. Learn which sources drive site contamination and how PFAS move through environmental media.

The Regulatory Evolution
Federal and state agencies have developed a patchwork of standards, advisories, and action levels with significant variation nationwide. We'll provide a snapshot of EPA's regulatory timeline, state programs leading federal action, and emerging requirements that affect environmental investigations and remediation.

Sampling and Analytical Fundamentals
PFAS analysis requires specialized protocols to avoid contamination and ensure data quality. We'll introduce critical sampling considerations and common analytical methods.

The Ongoing Debates
Should PFAS be regulated as a class or as individual chemicals? How do we measure "total PFAS" when thousands exist? What do we do about replacement chemicals with unknown toxicity? We'll frame the technical and policy questions driving current discussions.

Who should attend: Environmental professionals new to PFAS, project managers, attorneys, corporate environmental staff, regulators, remediation contractors, and anyone needing foundational knowledge before diving into specialized PFAS topics.

Airdate:  Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 1:30 PM ET
 
Length:  60 minutes 

Presenter: Taryn McKnight - Eurofins Environment Testing