New App Simplifies PFAS Identification and Risk Management
Durham, NC, March 18, 2025 - Today, ChemFORWARD announced the launch of pfasID, a free web-based tool that simplifies the process of identifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment and may cause potential human health risks.
This tool was developed as part of PFACTS, a collaborative initiative funded by the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate. Led by IBM, PFACTS brings together academic researchers, industry partners, and nonprofit organizations including ChemFORWARD, to develop innovative solutions for addressing PFAS contamination.
Key Features of pfasID:
Screens chemicals against multiple PFAS definitions
Provides clear indicators for each chemical entered
Generates reports for supply chain partners
Accessible to the entire supply chain
“Users can start to have an immediate impact on human health and the environment by being able to quickly identify which of their products contain PFAS,” said Stacy Glass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of ChemFORWARD.
The Current Need
PFAS are a class of chemicals historically used in a wide variety of products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. Regulators across various jurisdictions are starting to enact laws banning or restricting the use of PFAS in products. One major challenge for supply chains is the lack of consistent definitions across different regulations causing uncertainty.
The pfasID Solution
pfasID is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to accurately identify whether PFAS are in chemicals they may use in their products or processes. It is also a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers working to address the PFAS problem.
pfasID allows users to screen chemicals against regulatory databases and chemical definitions to determine if they qualify as PFAS. The tool provides clear indicators for each chemical entered, including pass, fail, and warning as well as detail for which PFAS definitions generated the result. Users can also generate reports to share with their supply chain partners.
“The release of pfasID is a critical milestone for PFACTS as we work together to address PFAS identification and management,” said Jed Pitera, Strategy Co-lead, Sustainable Materials, IBM Research.
To learn more about pfasID or register for access, please visit www.pfasID.org.
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ChemFORWARD hosts, manages, and maintains pfasID. ChemFORWARD is a science-based, non-profit organization turning chemical hazard data into positive impact. By creating broad access to chemical hazard data and illuminating safer alternatives, in partnership with industry, we are ending toxic chemical exposure and advancing human and environmental equity with safer chemistry.
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PFACTS is funded by a cooperative agreement with the NSF’s Technology and Innovation (TIP) Directorate bringing together academic researchers, industry partners, and nonprofit organizations led by IBM. The three-year project is focused on developing tools to identify products with PFAS, accelerating the search for PFAS substitutes with the help of generative AI, understanding the environmental and biological fate of PFAS, and recommending materials for capturing PFAS from air and water.
