PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) is a PFAS ("forever chemical") regulated in US drinking water. Firefighting foam (AFFF), industrial discharge, non-stick and stain-resistant coatings, landfill leachate.

MCL 4.0 ppt (ng/L), finalized April 2024. MCLG = 0. Initial monitoring by 2027; treatment/compliance by 2029. EPA's May 2025 plan proposes to UPHOLD the PFOA MCL while giving systems an optional two extra years (to 2031) to comply — this extension is proposed, not final; the 2024 rule remains in force.

Linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, thyroid effects, immune suppression (reduced vaccine response), and developmental effects including lower birth weight. Bioaccumulates; a 'forever chemical.'

EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records zero violations of PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)'s rule nationally. See this contaminant's regulatory status above for its current standard and compliance timeline — a zero count is not necessarily an all-clear.

Filter technologies certified to reduce PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) include: reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58), activated carbon (NSF/ANSI 53 (formerly P473)), anion exchange (NSF/ANSI 53). Look for a filter independently certified against the specific NSF/ANSI standard for this contaminant — general "reduces contaminants" marketing claims are not the same as a contaminant-specific certification.