Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have a wide variety of uses due to their resistance to heat, water, stains, and grease. This project aims to identify PFAS concentrations and types within Food Contact Materials (FCMs), such as plates and cups, and their flow on contamination. This project will begin by developing a method to extract PFAS for both target and non-target analysis methods and analyse these results. The results with then be used to develop a method to measure leaching (the process of solid materials turning into liquid) and measure how much is leached into compost and food and garden organics (FOGO). From there, we will identify whether plants pick up PFAS from contaminated compost and FOGO material. Finally, the results from this project will provide recommendations for regulations and legislation to better protect human health based on which chemicals the general public is exposed to.
