Perfluorooctanoic

Perfluorooctanoic acid, commonly abbreviated as PFOA, is a synthetic, fully fluorinated eight-carbon carboxylic acid. It is a member of the PFAS family and is highly persistent in both the environment and living organisms. In the environment it can be detected in water, soil, and biota, often as a contaminant associated with industrial activity.

PFOA has historically been used as a processing aid in the manufacture of fluoropolymers, notably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and can remain as a residual contaminant in fluorinated products. It has also been found in various consumer products and packaging, and was once associated with a range of applications including non-stick cookware, textiles, and cleaning products. Because of its chemical stability, PFOA tends to resist natural degradation and can accumulate over time.

Human exposure occurs mainly through drinking water, food, and the use of fluorinated consumer products. Blood levels of PFOA have been detected in populations worldwide. The health implications of PFOA exposure are the subject of ongoing research; studies in animals show potential effects on development, liver function, immune response, and thyroid signaling, while epidemiological findings in humans show associations with certain health outcomes but do not always establish cause-and-effect. Regulatory bodies have provisionally assessed lower risk thresholds and emphasized reducing exposure.

Regulatory and remediation actions include industry-led stewardship programs and phaseouts aimed at reducing emissions and product content, along with restrictions and monitoring under national and international chemical regulations. Remediation strategies for contaminated sites often rely on advanced filtration, adsorption, or high-temperature treatment, and industries have pursued alternatives to long-chain PFAS in manufacturing and consumer products.