Total organofluorine (TOF) testing for PFAS

PFAS regulations don't usually name specific chemicals to test — they focus on 'intentionally added' PFAS as a class. TOF (total organofluorine) is the screening method most labs use to detect PFAS as a whole, then targeted testing identifies which specific compounds are present when the screen flags positive.

What TOF measures:

• Total fluorine bound to carbon atoms across the PFAS class
• Reported in parts per million (ppm) or μg/g
• Catches the ~12,000 PFAS variants without needing to test each one individually

What TOF doesn't tell you:

• Which specific PFAS are present (PFOA vs PFOS vs GenX vs PTFE)
• Whether the PFAS was intentionally added or incidental contamination
• Whether the level meets a particular state's threshold

When to follow up with targeted testing:

1. TOF result is above 50 ppm (most state thresholds use a 100 ppm intentional-addition limit)
2. Maine LD 1503 disclosure requires you to identify intentionally-added PFAS by name
3. A regulator requests it during enforcement

Targeted methods: EPA 537.1, EPA 533, ASTM D7979, or LC-MS/MS panels covering 30–60 specific PFAS.

TIP: Cost: TOF screening runs $200–$400 per SKU; targeted PFAS panels run $500–$1,200. Lead time: 7–14 business days for TOF, 14–21 for targeted. Plan for both if you sell into Maine.

WARNING: PTFE-coated cookware can show high TOF readings even though PTFE itself is not classed as restricted in most state laws. Targeted testing is what proves the difference.