Is PFOA banned in the United States?
PFOA and some closely related chemicals (such as PFOS) are now no longer made in the US, although they are still made in some other countries and could potentially reach US consumers in certain types of products. In addition, many other PFAS are now in use, and new ones are still being developed.
What states have PFOA in the water?
States that have adopted or proposed limits for PFAS in drinking water include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Vermont.
How many Americans have PFOA in them?
A recent study estimated that more than 200 million Americans, or over 60 percent of the population, could be exposed to PFOA and PFOS in their drinking water at levels exceeding 1 part per trillion (ppt), which has been recommended by some experts as a maximum safe level for exposure.
Is PFOA in my water?
PFOA are acceptable in drinking water up to . PFAS water contamination has been found in 43 states. Major cities with contaminated water include: Los Angeles, California.
Why are PFOS and PFOA considered emerging contaminants?
Amid heightened concern, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2014 classified PFOS and PFOA as “emerging contaminants,” which means the chemicals are a real or perceived threat to human health or the environment. As a result, the Safe Drinking Water Act required larger water systems to monitor the levels of PFOA and PFOS in their water. (5)
What are the health advisories for PFOA in water?
As science on health effects of these chemicals evolves, EPA will continue to evaluate new evidence. To provide Americans, including the most sensitive populations, with a margin of protection from a lifetime of exposure to PFOA and PFOS from drinking water, EPA has established the health advisory levels at 70 parts per trillion.
How are PFAS related to contamination of water?
PFAS Contamination of Water Exposure to PFAS What are PFAS? Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are very stable manmade chemicals that have properties that allow them to repel both water and oil. The different PFAS have different lengths and/or differ in their properties at one end, which can change the toxicity of the chemicals.
When do you need to test your water for PFOS?
If you are concerned about the possibility of PFOA or PFOS in your drinking water and you are served by a private well, EPA recommends testing your drinking water. Laboratory analysis is necessary to determine if your water contains perfluorinated chemicals.
