Fast PFAS determination in honey by direct probe electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry: A health risk assessment insight

Abstract Per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a group of anthropogenic chemicals used in a multitude of applications. Nevertheless, PFAS are considered emerging contaminants, posing significant threats to human health as a consequence of their stability, persistence in the environment, and potential toxicity. Probe electrospray ionization in conjunction with tandem mass spectrometry (PESI-MS/MS) presented in this study provides an alternative analytical method for simultaneous and rapid analysis of 19 short and long-chain PFAS in honey. The method was validated with criteria meeting all requirements of the method validation guidelines. Fourteen PFAS were detected at least once in 23.8% of more than 40 honey samples, in the concentration range of 0.05–0.77 ng/g. Health risk assessment using the herein produced data showed that consumption of the specific honey samples did not pose a threat to the health of adults and children.