PFOA

What is PFOA?

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a man-made chemical that was widely used in industrial and consumer products for decades. PFOA belongs to a large family of chemicals called PFAS, often nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they break down extremely slowly and build up in the environment and in the human body over time.

Where does it come from?

PFOA was used heavily in making non-stick cookware coatings like Teflon, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging such as microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, and firefighting foam. It was also released into the air and water near factories that manufactured or used it. Although most U.S. manufacturers phased it out by 2015, PFOA can still be found in soil, groundwater, and older products.

Health concerns

Research studies have linked PFOA exposure to several serious health conditions, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and immune system changes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) — a respected global health organization — has classified PFOA as a known human carcinogen, meaning there is strong evidence connecting it to cancer in people. Some studies also associate PFOA with pregnancy complications and developmental effects in children. If you have concerns about your personal health risk, consult a healthcare provider.

EPA standard

The EPA set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA in drinking water in 2024. A part per trillion is an incredibly tiny amount — roughly one drop in 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Public water systems are required to test for PFOA and take action if levels exceed this limit.

What you can do

If PFOA is detected in your water, the EPA recommends using a certified water filter. Reverse osmosis filters and activated carbon filters are both effective at reducing PFOA levels in drinking water. Keep in mind that boiling water does not remove PFOA or any other PFAS chemicals.