Maine PFAS testing lab rebrands to reflect growing national reach
File PHOTO / TIM GREENWAY
Katie Richards co-founded PFAS Laboratories with her husband Chris after they identified a gap in Maine’s ability to respond to PFAS contamination.
Maine Laboratories, a “forever chemical” testing and analysis service in Norridgewock, has rebranded as PFAS Laboratories to reflect the company’s growing national reach.
“Changing our name is a natural step in our evolution,” said Katie Richards, CEO and co-founder. “While Maine will always be home, our work now reaches far beyond state lines.”
Richards, a 2025 Mainebiz Outstanding Women in Business honoree, launched Maine’s first PFAS testing lab in 2022 with her husband, Chris, after identifying a gap in the state’s ability to respond to contamination due to the lack of in-state testing options.
Chris holds a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and brought his technical expertise and hands-on experience with advanced testing equipment to the lab, while Katie drew on her background in consulting and project management to shape the lab’s operations and growth strategy.
In two years, Katie Richards led the company through national, international and U.S. Department of Defense accreditation, implemented in-house testing methods, tripled lab capacity, leveraged startup and accelerator resources and built a team in rural Norridgewock. The company was recently selected to support research in Greenland.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals have been used in industries worldwide. Studies show certain levels of exposure may be linked to negative health outcomes. The “forever chemicals” resist breaking down.
The company has developed a national reach, mostly from companies that are treating PFAS contamination and researchers answering PFAS questions — from California to North Carolina, Texas and Massachusetts. It recently tripled capacity to conduct up to 10,000 PFAS tests annually.
Clients range from municipalities and environmental consultants to private industry. There’s a growing need for accurate PFAS analysis nationwide, according to a press release.
“Our mission remains the same,” said Richards. “We will continue providing the same high-quality testing and personal service our clients rely on, now with a name that matches the depth and scope of our work.”
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