Audio for "ITRC: PFAS Chemistry Explained," Jan 27, 2026

The Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council (ITRC) is presenting a training on the basics of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemistry. This training supplements the ITRC PFAS Introductory training and ITRC Beyond the Basics Training sessions.  You can find ITRC PFAS training resources online at https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/pfas-training/. PFAS are an emerging group of contaminants that present unique challenges in many areas including: widespread use and presence in the environment, sampling and analysis, fate and transport, and remedial approaches. This training session will provide PFAS practitioners with an understanding of the unique aspects of PFAS chemistry that guide fate and transport, treatment, regulations, and decision-making on PFAS sites.    Key focus areas of the training include the following:Why are PFAS different from other organic chemicals?How are PFAS defined?How are PFAS manufactured and why does that matter?What are the differences between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances?What are the naming conventions used for the different types of PFAS?How are short-chain and long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) defined?What are precursors and why are they important?What are some of the unique chemical properties of PFAS and why do they matter?Resources and further details included in this training are in the  ITRC Guidance Document (PFAS-1). To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/itrc/PFASChem_012726/