PFAS emissions from functional textiles

PFAS emissions from functional textiles using micro-chamber and thermal desorption coupled to two-dimensional gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry (TD-GC×GC-TOF MS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained notoriety for their persistence, potential toxicity and environmental impact, but assessment of occupational exposure to PFAS is challenging due to their widespread use across diverse industries.  

A recent study in the Journal of Chromatography A has shed light on PFAS emissions from functional textiles used in firefighter turnout gear. The paper, a collaborative effort between researchers from Health Canada, SepSolve Analytical and Markes International, demonstrates how thermal desorption (TD) coupled with two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight massspectrometry (GCxGC-TOF MS) can provide valuable insights into potential exposure risks.  

Capturing comprehensive emission profiles  

Volatile emissions were collected from various layers of firefighter jackets—outer layer, moisture barrier, and thermal liner – using a microchamber thermal extractor and then analysed by TD-GCxGC-TOF MS. This powerful analytical approach captured wide-ranging volatiles and semi-volatiles in a solvent-free, non-targeted manner, at temperatures mimicking core body temperature during wear.

The enhanced separation of GCxGC-TOF MS was found to be imperative in tackling the complexity of the resulting emission profiles, especially those of used turnout gear. In fact, the structured ordering of GCxGC chromatograms enabled PFAS to elute as a distinct band, well-separated from other analytes, simplifying their identification.  

Unsurprisingly, the moisture barrier layer was found to exhibit the highest PFAS emissions, followed by the outer layer and thermal liner, while older jackets showed elevated levels of  fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), suggesting an increase in PFAS emissions with wear and use.  

Such findings underscore the critical need to explore new exposure pathways and identify emerging PFAS targets. Such steps are vital for assessing the environmental and health impacts of these persistent chemicals, particularly for high-risk groups like firefighters.