Normec Abiolab: Preserving water quality in the face of PFAS challenges

Starting January 1, 2026, water quality regulations will change. From then on, 20 PFAS will have to be analysed for drinking water health checks, with particularly strict quantification limits.

In this context, Normec Abiolab has invested in the PFAS project with the aim of meeting these new regulatory requirements. Our goal is to develop and validate a reliable and effective analysis method for these 20 PFAS.

In pursuit of excellence and compliance, Normec Abiolab is aiming for COFRAC accreditation for this method at the next audit, scheduled for March 2025.

By combining scientific expertise and innovation, Normec Abiolab is committed to guaranteeing high-quality analyses that meet the environmental and health challenges of tomorrow.

PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," are highly persistent chemicals that accumulate in the environment and living organisms. They are found everywhere: in water, food, and even in isolated areas such as Arctic waters. For example, high concentrations of PFOS have been measured in polar bear tissue over the decades.

These substances come mainly from everyday products, such as Teflon pans, which release PFAS into the environment. In France, almost the entire metropolitan area is affected by this pollution, with higher levels in certain regions such as Alsace, northern France, and the Mediterranean coast.

In addition to being persistent, PFAS pose health risks. Some are suspected of being carcinogenic, endocrine disruptors, or even reprotoxic. They could also reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and increase the risk of certain cancers, such as kidney cancer.

In response to these challenges, three PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS) have been banned or restricted internationally, particularly their use in kitchen utensils.