ADONA

What is ADONA?

4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid, known as ADONA, is a man-made chemical that belongs to the PFAS family, a group of substances often called "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly in the environment and in the human body. ADONA was developed as a replacement for older, more well-known PFAS compounds that were phased out due to health concerns. Like other PFAS, it contains strong chemical bonds that make it extremely resistant to heat, water, and oil.

Where does it come from?

ADONA has been used in industrial manufacturing processes, particularly in making fluoropolymer coatings — the slippery surfaces found on non-stick cookware and industrial equipment. It can also appear in some consumer products and may enter the environment through factory wastewater or the breakdown of products that contain it.

Health concerns

Research on ADONA is still in early stages, and published data is limited compared to older PFAS compounds. Some animal studies have associated ADONA with effects on the liver and thyroid, but strong human evidence is not yet available. Because the science is still developing, concerned individuals should consult a healthcare provider for guidance specific to their situation.

EPA standard

No federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — the legal limit for a substance in drinking water — has been established for ADONA by the EPA. Without an MCL, public water systems are not legally required to test for or remove it. This means there is currently no enforceable federal protection for this specific compound in tap water.

What you can do

If you are concerned about ADONA in your water, consider using a reverse osmosis filter or a granular activated carbon filter, both of which research studies suggest can reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. Ion exchange filters are another option shown to be effective against many PFAS compounds. Remember that boiling water does not remove PFAS — it can actually concentrate them.