In recent years, concerns about water quality and safety have become more prevalent, leading many to ask the question, “What is PFNA?”
PFNA is a man-made PFAS commonly used in the production of stain-resistant and non-stick coatings. PFNA is highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. Health risks associated with PFNA exposure include developmental issues, liver toxicity, and potential links to cancer. The U.S. EPA has not set a specific limit for PFNA in drinking water but has established a health advisory level for combined PFOS and PFOA at 70 parts per trillion.
This article aims to shed light on this lesser-known contaminant, exploring its sources, potential health risks, and how it may affect your drinking water. As we delve deeper into the topic, we’ll also examine the current regulations in place to safeguard public health and discuss measures to minimize exposure to PFNA.
Read my related articles on PFAS chemicals:
What is GenX and Why You Need to Know About It Now
What is PFDA: The Hidden Chemical in Your Water Supply
What Is PFNA?
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is a man-made chemical belonging to the family of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their unique properties, such as water and oil resistance, temperature stability, and durability.
What products contain PFNA
PFNA can be found in a range of products, including:
- Non-stick cookware
- Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets
- Water-resistant clothing
- Food packaging materials
- Firefighting foams
As PFNA is highly resistant to degradation, it can persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time, potentially posing health risks.
Chemical properties of PFNA
PFNA is a highly stable and persistent chemical.
The following table provides a brief overview of PFNA’s properties.
| Property | Value |
| Chemical Synonym | Heptadecafluorononanoic acid |
| CAS Number | 375-95-1 |
| Molecular Mass | 464.08 g/mol |
| Chemical Formula | C9HF17O2 |
| Main Hazards | Strong acid and suspected carcinogen |
What are the health risks of PFNA
Exposure to PFNA has been linked to various health concerns, including:
- Developmental issues, such as low birth weight and delayed puberty
- Liver toxicity
- Immune system dysfunction
- Potential links to cancer
- Hormonal disruption
For more information on the health risks associated with PFNA, refer to this Health Risks associated with PFNA article.
Although the use of PFNA in consumer products has decreased in recent years due to concerns about its potential health risks, it can still be found in some products and may contaminate drinking water sources. In the following sections, we will discuss drinking water standards for PFNA and ways to remove it from your water supply.
What is the Drinking Water Standard for PFNA?
As concerns about the potential health risks associated with PFNA have grown, various government agencies have set drinking water standards to limit PFNA exposure. These standards vary depending on the region and are designed to protect public health by ensuring safe drinking water.
EPA drinking water limit for PFNA
Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not set a specific maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFNA in drinking water. However, they have established a health advisory level for combined PFOS and PFOA (related PFAS) at 70 parts per trillion (ppt). For more information on EPA’s stance on PFAS, visit the EPA drinking water standards for PFNA page.
California drinking water standard for PFNA
In California, the State Water Resources Control Board has set Notification Levels (NL) and Response Levels (RL) for PFNA. The current NL for PFNA is 5.1 ppt, while the RL is set at 14 ppt. These levels serve as guidelines for water providers to inform customers if PFNA levels exceed the established thresholds. For more information on California’s drinking water standards for PFNA, visit the California drinking water standards for PFNA page.
Massachusetts drinking water standard for PFNA
Massachusetts has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for six PFAS compounds, including PFNA, with a combined limit of 20 ppt. Water suppliers in Massachusetts are required to comply with this standard and routinely test for PFAS in their water sources. For more information on Massachusetts’ drinking water standards for PFNA, visit the Massachusetts drinking water standards for PFNA page.
New Jersey drinking water standard for PFNA
New Jersey has been a leader in setting stringent drinking water standards for PFNA. The state established a specific MCL for PFNA at 13 ppt, which is one of the lowest limits in the United States. Water systems in New Jersey must regularly test for PFNA and take corrective actions if the levels exceed the MCL. For more information on New Jersey’s drinking water standards for PFNA, visit the New Jersey drinking water standards for PFNA page.
It’s important to note that drinking water standards for PFNA and other PFAS compounds may continue to evolve as new research emerges on their potential health effects. To ensure the safety of your drinking water, it’s crucial to stay informed about your local water quality and consider using water filtration systems that effectively remove PFNA and other contaminants.
What Filters Remove PFNA?
To reduce exposure to PFNA and other contaminants in your drinking water, it’s essential to select an effective water filtration system. Various types of filters are available, each with different capabilities in removing PFNA and other contaminants. In this section, we’ll explore some common filtration methods and their effectiveness in removing PFNA from your water supply.
Does reverse osmosis remove PFNA?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a highly effective filtration method that can remove PFNA and other PFAS compounds from drinking water. RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, including PFNA, by forcing water through the membrane under pressure. This process can effectively remove up to 99% of PFNA and other PFAS, making RO systems an excellent choice for ensuring safe drinking water.
Do carbon filters remove PFNA?
Carbon filters, particularly those utilizing granular activated carbon (GAC) or powdered activated carbon (PAC), can effectively remove PFNA and other PFAS compounds from drinking water. These filters work by adsorbing contaminants onto the surface of the carbon, effectively trapping them and preventing them from passing through the filter.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of carbon filters can vary depending on the specific filter and the concentration of contaminants in the water. Be sure to select a carbon filter certified for PFAS removal to ensure optimal performance.
Do Brita filters remove PFNA?
Standard Brita filters primarily use activated carbon to remove contaminants from drinking water. While they are effective at reducing chlorine, heavy metals, and certain organic compounds, they may not be as efficient at removing PFNA and other PFAS compounds as specialized carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems.
Do refrigerator filters remove PFNA?
Refrigerator filters, like Brita filters, often use activated carbon as their primary filtration medium. While they can improve the taste and odor of your water by reducing chlorine and certain contaminants, their effectiveness in removing PFNA and other PFAS compounds is generally limited.
Both reverse osmosis systems and carbon filters can be effective in removing PFNA from your drinking water, depending on the specific filter and system you choose. It’s essential to select a filter that’s certified for PFAS removal and to maintain it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal performance and protection against PFNA.
FAQs About PFNA
To help you better understand PFNA and its potential impact on your health and drinking water, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided concise answers to address your concerns.
Is PFNA banned?
Although PFNA is not outright banned in the United States, its use has been significantly reduced due to concerns about its persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Many manufacturers have voluntarily phased out PFNA and other PFAS compounds in their products.
How can I test my water for PFNA?
To test your water for PFNA, contact a state-certified laboratory that specializes in testing for PFAS compounds. They will provide you with instructions on how to collect and submit a water sample for analysis. You can also check with your local water provider to see if they routinely test for PFNA and request the results.
How can I reduce my exposure to PFNA?
To reduce your exposure to PFNA, consider using an effective water filtration system, such as a reverse osmosis system or a carbon filter certified for PFAS removal. Additionally, be mindful of the products you use that may contain PFNA or other PFAS compounds, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and water-resistant clothing.
Can boiling water remove PFNA?
No, boiling water does not remove PFNA or other PFAS compounds. In fact, boiling may concentrate these chemicals in the water, as the water evaporates while the PFNA remains. To effectively remove PFNA from your drinking water, use a filtration system designed for PFAS removal, such as reverse osmosis or carbon filters.
How long does PFNA stay in the body?
PFNA can persist in the human body for an extended period due to its high stability and resistance to degradation. The half-life of PFNA, or the time it takes for half of the compound to be eliminated from the body, is estimated to be between 2.5 and 4 years. This means that PFNA can accumulate in the body over time, potentially posing health risks.
Learn More about PFNA
Wikipedia’s entry on Perfluorononanoic acid describes PFNA as a synthetic perfluorinated carboxylic acid and fluorosurfactant, also known as an environmental contaminant.
The EWG Tap Water Database provides information on PFNA, highlighting its similarities to PFOA and its use in various production processes.
New Jersey’s official document on PFNA in drinking water offers a detailed health-based analysis and regulatory standards for Perfluorononanoic acid.
Final Take
This article provides an in-depth understanding of PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid), a persistent and potentially harmful chemical found in various products and drinking water. PFNA poses potential health risks, and different regions have established varying drinking water standards to limit exposure.
Effective water filtration methods, such as reverse osmosis and carbon filters, can remove PFNA from your water supply. To reduce your exposure to PFNA, use appropriate water filters, and be mindful of products containing PFNA or other PFAS compounds.