PFHxA

What is PFHxA?

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) is a man-made chemical that belongs to the PFAS family, a large group of substances often called "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly in the environment and can build up in the body over time. PFHxA is a shorter-chain PFAS, meaning its chemical structure is smaller than older, more well-known PFAS compounds like PFOA or PFOS.

Where does it come from?

PFHxA is used in industrial processes and can be found in a range of consumer products, including stain-resistant coatings on carpets and fabrics, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and some cleaning products. It can also be released into the environment from manufacturing facilities that produce or use fluorinated chemicals.

Health concerns

Research on PFHxA's health effects in humans is still limited, and scientists are still working to understand its full impact. Some animal studies have suggested possible effects on the liver and thyroid, but it is not yet clear whether these findings apply to people. At this time, PFHxA has not been classified by major health agencies the way longer-chain PFAS compounds have been. If you have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare provider.

EPA standard

No federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) — the legal limit for how much of a substance is allowed in drinking water — has been established for PFHxA 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 PFHxA 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 can actually concentrate them.