PFHpA

What is PFHpA?

Perfluoroheptanoic acid, or PFHpA, is a man-made chemical belonging to the PFAS family — a group of thousands of chemicals often called "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly in the environment and can build up in the human body over time. PFHpA is a seven-carbon PFAS, meaning it has a medium-length chemical chain compared to other members of the family. Like other PFAS, it is valued in industry for its ability to resist heat, water, and oil.

Where does it come from?

PFHpA can be released from industrial manufacturing facilities that produce or use fluorinated chemicals. It has also been found in connection with consumer products such as water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and non-stick cookware coatings. It may also appear as a breakdown product of longer-chain PFAS compounds used in firefighting foams.

Health concerns

Research on PFHpA specifically is limited compared to more studied PFAS like PFOA or PFOS. Some animal studies have associated PFHpA with effects on the liver and thyroid, but strong human evidence is not yet available. Because of the limited data, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about its risks to people. If you have concerns about exposure, consult a healthcare provider.

EPA standard

No federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — the legal limit for a substance in drinking water — has been established for PFHpA by the EPA. This means public water systems are not currently required to test for or limit this chemical. The absence of a legal limit does not mean the chemical is considered safe.

What you can do

If PFHpA 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. Ion exchange filters are another effective option worth exploring. Remember that boiling water does not remove PFAS — it can actually concentrate them.