8:2FTS
1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)
- EPA federal limit
- No federal limit
- Detected in
- 10,289 systems
- Regulatory status
- Unregulated (UCMR 5)
What is 8:2FTS?
1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanesulfonic acid, known as 8:2FTS, is a man-made chemical belonging to the PFAS family — a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals often called "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly in the environment and can build up in the human body over time. 8:2FTS is a fluorotelomer, meaning it is built around a chain of carbon and fluorine atoms bonded together in an extremely strong way. Like other PFAS, it is resistant to heat, water, and oil, which is why it has been used in many industrial and consumer applications.
Where does it come from?
8:2FTS is released mainly through industrial manufacturing processes and can be found in a range of consumer products designed to resist water, grease, or stains. It has been associated with products such as stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, water-repellent clothing, food packaging with grease-resistant coatings, and certain industrial surfactants used in manufacturing. It can enter drinking water supplies through industrial discharge or the breakdown of related PFAS compounds already present in the environment.
Health concerns
Research on 8:2FTS is still in early stages, and published data in humans is limited. Some animal studies have associated it with effects on the liver and hormonal systems, but these findings have not yet been confirmed in large human studies. Because evidence is limited, no firm conclusions about human health risks can be drawn at this time. If you have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare provider.
EPA standard
The EPA has not established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — a legal limit for how much of a chemical is allowed in public drinking water — for 8:2FTS. This means water utilities are not currently required to test for or remove it. The absence of a federal limit does not mean the chemical is considered safe.
What you can do
If 8:2FTS is detected in your water, consider using a certified reverse osmosis filter or a granular activated carbon filter, both of which research studies suggest can reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. Do not rely on boiling your water — boiling does not remove PFAS and may actually concentrate them. Contact your local water utility for testing information and consult a healthcare provider with any health-related questions.
About this summary: Narrative text on this page was drafted by an AI model (claude-sonnet-4-6) from EPA UCMR 5 data and reviewed before publication. The numeric data above is reported by water utilities directly to the EPA. If you spot an error, email data@checkyourwater.org.