Survey of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their precursors present in Japanese consumer products

• A newly developed analytical method was applied to consumer products.
• Thirty-two species of PFASs including 14 PFAA precursors were analyzed.
• Fabric/textile sprays and car wash/coating products had the greatest concentrations.
• Consumer products are potential sources of long chain PFCAs (⩾7).
• PFOS precursors had higher detection frequencies and concentrations than PFOS.

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their precursors have been used in various consumer products. However, limited information regarding their occurrence and concentration levels in products is available. In this study, we investigated 18 PFAAs and 14 PFAA precursors in various categories of consumer products purchased in Japan. Relatively high total concentrations of PFAAs and their precursors were found in sprays for fabrics and textiles (

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