What is the difference between PFAS-free and PFAS non-detected? How to read documents before choosing a fire extinguishing agent
PFAS is drawing more attention and more questions from buyers of clean agents, clean agent fire extinguishers and clean agent fire suppression systems, largely because of promotional claims such as "PFAS-free", "PFAS non-detected", "eco-friendly", "safe", "clean" or "non-toxic".
This article explains what PFAS-free and PFAS non-detected actually mean.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that PFAS is a large group of chemicals rather than a single substance, and that detecting and analyzing PFAS is limited by the test method, the list of substances analyzed, and the type of sample. Which is why the documents have to be read carefully before any purchasing decision on a fire extinguishing agent or a clean agent fire suppression system. Learn more at (epa.gov).
What is PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It is a large group of synthetic chemicals, not one chemical. According to the EPA there are thousands of them, used across a wide range of commercial and industrial products. Some are highly persistent in the environment, which makes studying and assessing the risk complex (epa.gov).
If you are buying a fire extinguishing agent, the thing to hold on to is not to read "PFAS" too broadly, and not to take a "PFAS-free" or "PFAS non-detected" claim on faith without reliable supporting documents. Check exactly which substances the document names, which test methods were used, and whether the results cover the specific product model you are buying.
What is PFAS-free?
A claim that a product, commodity or packaging contains no PFAS, the synthetic chemicals known for their durability and their resistance to breaking down. The claim has to be backed by supporting documents.
What is PFAS non-detected?
That the product, commodity or environmental sample was tested and no PFAS was detected at concentrations above the detection limit of that particular test method.
What is the difference between PFAS-free and PFAS non-detected?
Aspect | PFAS-free | PFAS non-detected |
|---|---|---|
Primary Meaning | Claim that "contains no PFAS ingredients" | Analytical result showing "not detected" |
Required Verification Documents | Must have clear supporting documents | Must have a lab report or certificate |
Use in Purchasing Decision | Applicable when complete and credible supporting documents are available | Applicable when the limitations and conditions of the test results are understood |
Why does "non-detected" mean checking the test method and detection limit?
Test method
The EPA explains that PFAS analysis comes in two forms, targeted and non-targeted. Targeted analysis measures only a predefined list of substances. Once the analysis is finished, you cannot go back and search retroactively for anything outside that list (epa.gov).
So if a lab report says "non-detected", find out whether it was a targeted test, and how many PFAS substances were analyzed in total.
Detection limit and reporting limit
A detection limit, or reporting limit, is the lowest concentration a test method can detect or report.
If a report can measure down to a certain level, a result of non-detected means "nothing was found at concentrations above that level".
Sample type
PFAS results depend on the sample type: liquids, finished chemical products, water, soil, materials, or finished goods. The EPA states that PFAS analysis methods are developed differently depending on the environmental media the sample came from, such as drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, soil, sediment and fish tissue (epa.gov).
So for a fire extinguishing agent, check what was actually tested, and whether it matches the type of product you are buying.
Certificates and lab reports
A certificate or lab report should carry all the key information: laboratory name, test date, test method, the list of substances analyzed, the detection or reporting limit, the product name, and the batch or lot number.
Questions to ask the seller before deciding
Before buying a fire extinguishing agent, a clean agent extinguisher, or a clean agent fire suppression system, ask the seller at least these:
Does this product have a safety data sheet (SDS)?
If it is described as "PFAS-free" or "PFAS non-detected", is there a certificate or lab report properly behind it?
If the product is PAF-222 / FK5112 / FK-5-1-12 / Perfluorohexanone, how is that chemical name written in the document?
Are there limitations, special conditions or remarks noted in the test report?
How does this relate to clean agent fire extinguishers?
Clean agent extinguishers and clean agent fire suppression systems are often chosen for areas holding electrical equipment, electronic devices or high value assets, because buyers want an agent that leaves no dirty residue, is safe to use around electrical equipment, and avoids secondary damage after a discharge.
But once PFAS comes into the question, buyers have to go through the supporting documentation separately, and should not jump to the conclusion that every clean agent is automatically PFAS-free or PFAS non-detected.
Recommended reading after understanding "PFAS-free" and "PFAS non-detected"
Now that you know what PFAS-free and PFAS non-detected mean, these topics on clean agents, safety data sheets and purchasing follow on:
What is PAF-222
PAF GLOBAL's clean agent fire extinguishing products.What is FK5112 / What is FK-5-1-12
The agent names and basic technical terms used for clean agents.What is Perfluorohexanone
The chemical name of the substance, in more depth.Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers
For anyone buying clean agent extinguishers to protect electrical equipment and areas where chemical powder residue is unwanted.Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems
For organizations designing and installing permanent systems, and anyone looking for guidance on checking documents before procurement.What is a Carcinogen-Free Fire Extinguishing Agent
What "carcinogen-free" and "no carcinogens" actually mean.Contact for Consultation
To request SDS documents, certificates or product documentation from PAF GLOBAL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is PFAS-free?
PFAS-free is a claim that a product or chemical contains no PFAS within a defined scope and set of criteria. The claim has to be clearly supported by evidence: a safety data sheet (SDS), a certificate, or a laboratory test report.
2. What is PFAS non-detected?
PFAS non-detected means the analysis found no PFAS under the specific conditions of that test: the method, the list of substances analyzed, the sample type, and the detection or reporting limit used.
3. Does non-detected mean there is absolutely no PFAS?
No. Non-detected does not mean the quantity is absolute zero. It means "the substances tested for were not found at concentrations above the detection limit of that method."
4. Are all clean agent fire extinguishers PFAS-free?
Each clean agent extinguisher, and each clean agent, has different properties and a different chemical composition. So the reference documents have to be checked product by product.