On June 15, 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued updated health advisories for the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The EPA also issued final health advisories for GenX chemicals and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its related compound potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS). The EPA updated the advisories in response to new scientific information about these chemicals’ effects on human health.
GenX chemicals are different PFAS made of fewer carbon atoms. GenX chemicals and PFBS were created to replace PFOA and PFOS, respectively. They are used in industrial applications and to make various consumer products because they have similar properties and characteristics to PFOA and PFOS but are removed from the human body faster.
EPA develops drinking water health advisories to provide information about contaminants known or anticipated to occur in drinking water that can cause human health effects. EPA's health advisories are non-enforceable and non-regulatory and provide technical information to state agencies and other public health officials on health effects, analytical methodologies, and treatment technologies associated with drinking water contamination.
The EPA’s lifetime health advisory levels are calculated to offer a margin of protection to all individuals, including those who are more sensitive due to their life stage or health conditions, from adverse health effects resulting from lifelong exposure to these PFAS in drinking water. Lifetime health advisories also factor in potential exposure to PFAS through other sources such as food or consumer products. Learn more
PFAS lifetime health advisory levels are measured in parts per trillion (ppt). EPA initially established health advisory levels at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) in May 2016. The updated advisories provide recalculated levels as outlined below. The interim health advisories will be in place until EPA’s PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation is in effect.
If PFAS were detected in your drinking water, which means they are above the detection limit of 2 ppt, it means that your water is above what EPA recommends for lifetime exposure in residential drinking water. This does not mean that you will get sick or have adverse health effects. It is important to remember that lifetime health advisory levels represent safe exposure levels over the course of a person’s lifetime. They are not calculated to account for shorter or individual periods of exposure. The levels are also calculated to incorporate a margin of protection that accounts for other exposures outside of drinking water.
However, you may have questions or concerns about your health. If you have concerns about levels of exposure in your drinking water that are above the levels shown here, contact your healthcare provider for more information about the health effects and to discuss your individual concerns.
“Questions and Answers: Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA, PFOS, GenX Chemicals and PFBS” United States Environmental Protection Agency, last modified June 15, 2022, https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/questions-and-answers-drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-pfos-genx-chemicals-and-pfbs.
“Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFAS Fact Sheet for Communities,” United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed June 20, 2022, https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-06/drinking-water-ha-pfas-factsheet-communities.pdf.
“Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFAS Fact Sheet for Public Water Systems,” United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed June 20, 2022, https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-06/drinking-water-ha-pfas-factsheet-water-system.pdf.
