PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
Category: pfas
EPA MCL
4 ppt
Status
EPA Regulated
NSF Standard
NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 58 (formerly P473)
Health Effects
Associated with increased risk of certain cancers, liver effects, immune system effects, thyroid disease, and developmental effects. EPA set the MCLG at zero, indicating no safe level of exposure has been identified.
Where It Comes From
Synthetic chemical used historically in non-stick coatings (Teflon), stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) firefighting foams. Extremely persistent in the environment - does not break down naturally.
Where It's Commonly Found
Communities near industrial facilities, military bases, airports, and wastewater treatment plants. Widespread at low levels in municipal water supplies across the U.S.
Detected in approximately 3,500+ public water systems under EPA's UCMR 5 monitoring. An estimated 176 million Americans have detectable PFAS in their drinking water.
How to Remove It
Effective Technologies
- activated carbon
- carbon block
- reverse osmosis
- ion exchange
- nanofiltration
Does NOT Remove It
- UV
- water softener
- mechanical filtration
Filters That Address PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
11 filters in our database list PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) reduction.
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
pitcher
$90
$165/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Epic Water Filters Pure Pitcher
pitcher
$70
$212/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
ZeroWater 10-Cup
pitcher
$34.99
$107.94/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Epic Water Filters Nano
pitcher
$82
$138/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Berkey Big Berkey
gravity
$367
$10/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
ProOne Big+
gravity
$183.96
$126.32/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Aquasana AQ-5200
under sink
$249.99
$147.98/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Aquasana AQ-5300
under sink
$349.99
$167.98/yr filters
Price checked Apr 2026
Official Sources
Related Contaminants
Learn More
Check if PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is in your water
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Enter Your ZIP Code →Informational guidance based on EPA data and NSF standards - not medical advice.