EPA legal limit
No federal limit
Maximum Contaminant Level
EWG health guideline
0.5 ppt
Science-based, stricter target
Health effects
PFTA's fourteen-carbon chain results in extreme persistence in biological tissue. Animal data shows liver toxicity and reproductive effects consistent with other long-chain PFAS. Due to its length, it is expected to have a longer biological half-life and greater tissue accumulation than PFDA or PFUnA. Human exposure data at drinking water concentrations is very limited.
Where it comes from
Industrial use as a specialty surfactant in fluoropolymer chemistry. Found in industrial contamination zones near PFAS manufacturing. Very infrequently detected in drinking water but included in UCMR5 due to its presence in some systems.
How it's regulated
No federal EPA MCL. Not individually regulated under the 2024 PFAS NPDWR. Monitored under UCMR5. EWG health guideline: 0.5 ppt, applying a precautionary approach to extremely long-chain PFAS with high bioaccumulation potential.
How to filter pfta
Not all filters address pfta. Look for independently certified filters—NSF International certification means the removal claim has been independently verified.
Frequently asked questions
What is pfta?
PFTA is a fourteen-carbon long-chain carboxylic acid PFAS — among the longest in the UCMR5 monitoring list. Its extremely long chain makes it the most bioaccumulative of the carboxylic acid PFAS monitored under UCMR5. Detected rarely in drinking water but of high concern in contaminated systems.
What are the health effects of pfta?
PFTA's fourteen-carbon chain results in extreme persistence in biological tissue. Animal data shows liver toxicity and reproductive effects consistent with other long-chain PFAS. Due to its length, it is expected to have a longer biological half-life and greater tissue accumulation than PFDA or PFUnA. Human exposure data at drinking water concentrations is very limited.
Is pfta regulated in drinking water?
No federal EPA MCL. Not individually regulated under the 2024 PFAS NPDWR. Monitored under UCMR5. EWG health guideline: 0.5 ppt, applying a precautionary approach to extremely long-chain PFAS with high bioaccumulation potential.
Where does pfta come from?
Industrial use as a specialty surfactant in fluoropolymer chemistry. Found in industrial contamination zones near PFAS manufacturing. Very infrequently detected in drinking water but included in UCMR5 due to its presence in some systems.
How do I remove pfta from tap water?
The most effective methods for removing pfta are: Reverse osmosis (RO), NSF 58 certified RO system. Look for NSF-certified systems—independent certification confirms removal claims have been verified.
Is pfta in your water?
Enter your ZIP code to see the measured level in your specific utility.