Organic High Risk
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
Cancer risk, liver damage, developmental effects
Sources: Industrial manufacturing, Firefighting foam, Consumer products
Regulatory Limit
Zero EPA Limit (0.004 μg/L)
*Levels above the EPA limit are considered unsafe.
MCL Value
0.004 μg/L
Goal (MCLG)
0 μg/L
Violating Systems
3 nationwide
Affected Population
1.8M estimated
Avg Detected Level
0.0019 μg/L in affected systems
Health Risk Assessment
Exposure to PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) in drinking water is regulated because of its potential to cause cancer risk, liver damage, developmental effects. The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 0.004 μg/L to protect public health.
Note: Long-term exposure above the MCL can significantly increase health risks. This contaminant is considered high priority due to its severe potential health impacts.
Detailed Health Effects
Cancer risk, liver damage, developmental effects
Common Sources
1
Industrial manufacturing 2
Firefighting foam 3
Consumer products National Overview
Total Tests
53
Violations Found
3
Violation Rate
5.7%
Top States by Violations
Most Affected Systems
Treatment Methods
Granular activated carbon
Ion exchange
Reverse osmosis
Is this in your water?
Find out if your local water system has detected PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and why is it in drinking water?
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is a organic contaminant. Common sources include: Industrial manufacturing, Firefighting foam, Consumer products.
What are the health effects of PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) in drinking water?
Cancer risk, liver damage, developmental effects
What is the EPA limit for PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is 0.004 μg/L.
How can I remove PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) from my water?
Effective treatment methods for removing PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) include: Granular activated carbon, Ion exchange, Reverse osmosis.
How do I test my water for PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)?
You can check your water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report for PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) levels, or use a certified home water testing kit. WaterQ provides the latest EPA test data for all public water systems.