PFAS in air, made practical

ALS will soon be launching an OTM‑50 based air method in Canada to assess the volatile fluorinated compounds (VFCs) that matter for PFAS destruction and remediation outcomes.

• Evaluate destruction efficiency. Targeting PFAS products of incomplete combustion for treatment and destruction technologies.
• Defensible results. Decision‑ready outputs for regulators and stakeholders.
• Adaptable. Canister-based sampling method adaptable for ambient air and soil gas investigations

Don’t miss it: “PFAS in Air – Just the Facts” with Tammy Chartrand & Darlene Hoogenes Stastny

On Friday, October 17, 9:05–9:35 AM

RemTech^TM, Fairmont Banff

Visit ALS at booth #40 to scan the quick‑read OTM‑50 explainer, and talk one‑on‑one about your remediation and PFAS air testing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is OTM-50?

OTM-50 is a draft analytical method developed by the U.S. EPA to measure volatile fluorinated compounds (VFCs), including certain PFAS byproducts, in air emissions from stationary sources. It was designed to assess the efficiency of PFAS destruction technologies (e.g., incineration) by detecting volatile compounds that may result from incomplete combustion or mineralization of PFAS. [US EPA]

2. What type of air can be analyzed using OTM-50?

OTM-50 is intended for stack emissions and other industrial air discharges from stationary sources, however investigation into the viability of applying this to soil gas and ambient air is ongoing.

3. What compounds can be measured by OTM-50?

OTM-50 targets 30 volatile, nonpolar fluorinated compounds, many of which are products of incomplete PFAS destruction.

Various HFCs, CFCs, and perfluoroalkanes (C1–C8 range)

These compounds are often highly volatile and fully fluorinated. [US EPA]

4. What type of sampling equipment is required for OTM-50?

Sampling is performed using evacuated, passivated stainless-steel canisters:

• Silonite Canisters (1.4L is being researched)
• Critical orifices to regulate sample flow, silonite-coated flowcontrollers, quick-connect outfitted
• Batch and individual-certified cleaning protocols to ensure no contamination

SUMMA canisters are not recommended unless validated for this method. [www.restek.com]

5. What type of instrument is used for analysis by OTM-50?

Analysis is conducted using:

Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS , triple quad)

6. Will canisters for PFAS sampling need to be segregated from other air sampling canisters (VOC, Sulfurs, Petroleum Hydrocarbons)?

Yes, separate equipment is preferable to avoid contamination.