The complex 'PFAS world'-How recent discoveries and novel screening tools reinforce existing concerns

In recent years, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)based studies have highlighted an increasingly complex 'PFAS world' and thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known today. Major new discoveries were made when previously unexplored PFAS sources or transformation pathways were investigated and when HRMS was combined with other analytical methods. Advances in analysis and data treatment have pointed to blind spots, and extensive suspect screening lists and data evaluation approaches have become available. Research has a vital role in making HRMS fit for broad application and, considering ongoing discussions supporting a grouping of PFAS, transitioning society towards a fundamentally new way of regulating, monitoring and managing PFAS.

Automated summary

Recent studies using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have revealed the complexity of the 'PFAS world' with thousands of known per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Major breakthroughs have been made by exploring previously uncharted PFAS sources or transformation pathways and combining HRMS with other analytical methods. Advances in analysis and data treatment have identified blind spots and provided extensive suspect screening lists and evaluation approaches. Research plays a vital role in making HRMS widely applicable and in transitioning society towards a new way of regulating, monitoring, and managing PFAS, with ongoing discussions supporting a grouping of PFAS.