BS EN 17681-1:2025: A Comprehensive Standard for PFAS Analysis in Textiles

Introducing the BS EN 17681-1:2025, a pivotal standard that sets the benchmark for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in textiles and textile products. Released on May 15, 2025, this standard is an essential resource for professionals in the textile industry, environmental scientists, and regulatory bodies who are committed to ensuring the safety and compliance of textile products.

Understanding PFAS and Their Impact

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial applications and consumer products, including textiles, due to their water and stain-resistant properties. However, PFAS are persistent in the environment and human body, leading to potential adverse health effects. As awareness of these impacts grows, the need for accurate and reliable analysis of PFAS in textiles has become increasingly critical.

Key Features of BS EN 17681-1:2025

The BS EN 17681-1:2025 standard provides a detailed methodology for the analysis of PFAS in textiles using advanced techniques. Here are some of the key features:

• Standard Number: BS EN 17681-1:2025
• Pages: 44
• Release Date: May 15, 2025
• ISBN: 978 0 539 26412 8
• Status: Standard

Advanced Analytical Techniques

The standard outlines the use of liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the analysis of PFAS. These techniques are renowned for their precision and sensitivity, allowing for the detection of even trace amounts of PFAS in textile samples. This ensures that the analysis is both comprehensive and reliable.

Alkaline Extraction Method

BS EN 17681-1:2025 specifies the use of an alkaline extraction method to prepare textile samples for analysis. This method is effective in breaking down complex textile matrices, facilitating the accurate quantification of PFAS. The standard provides detailed instructions on the preparation and handling of samples to ensure consistency and reproducibility of results.

Benefits of Implementing BS EN 17681-1:2025

Adopting the BS EN 17681-1:2025 standard offers numerous benefits to stakeholders in the textile industry:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that textile products meet international safety standards and regulations regarding PFAS content.
• Consumer Safety: Protects consumers by minimizing their exposure to harmful PFAS through textiles.
• Environmental Responsibility: Supports efforts to reduce environmental contamination by providing a framework for monitoring and controlling PFAS emissions.
• Market Competitiveness: Enhances the reputation of textile manufacturers by demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 17681-1:2025 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Textile Manufacturers: To ensure their products are free from harmful levels of PFAS and comply with industry standards.
• Quality Control Laboratories: To implement robust testing protocols for PFAS analysis in textiles.
• Regulatory Bodies: To establish guidelines and enforce compliance with PFAS regulations in the textile industry.
• Environmental Scientists: To study the impact of PFAS on the environment and develop strategies for mitigation.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17681-1:2025 standard is a critical tool for advancing the safety and sustainability of textile products. By providing a comprehensive methodology for PFAS analysis, it empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions, protect consumer health, and contribute to a cleaner environment. Embrace this standard to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of textile safety and compliance.

BS EN 17681-1:2025

This standard BS EN 17681-1:2025 Textiles and textile products. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is classified in these ICS categories:

• 59.080.01 Textiles in general

This document specifies a test method, including the degradation of certain side-chain fluorinated polymers during the extraction with simultaneous alkaline hydrolysis, and using liquid chromatography (LC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for identification and quantification of certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The document is applicable to all materials of textile products. Table 2 indicates a list of target PFAS which can be analysed with this document. PFAS of Table 2 marked with the footnote e) and footnote f) undergo alkaline hydrolysis and only their per- or polyfluorinated degradation products such as PFOA or n:2 fluorotelomer alcohols (n:2 FTOHs, n = 4, 6, 8, 10) can be determined. Through the methods outlined in the informative Annex E and Annex F, free n:2 FTOHs, PFOA and non-polymeric PFAS of Table 2 marked with the footnote e) and footnote f), that are not stable to alkaline hydrolysis, can be identified and quantified. Certain side-chain fluorinated polymers release n:2 FTOHs (n = 4, 6, 8, 10) under the described extraction conditions. Since these side-chain fluorinated polymers can be PFOA or C9-C14 PFCA-related substances restricted by the EU-POPs [1] or EU-REACH [2] regulations, the amounts of released n:2 FTOHs can be used to indirectly assess whether the concentration of the aforementioned side-chain fluorinated polymers exceed limits for PFOA or C9-C14 PFCA-related substances. This document is also applicable to the determination of further PFAS, provided that the method is validated with the additional substances and that these PFAS are stable to alkaline hydrolysis and dehydrofluorination.