6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonate (6:2 FTS)
6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) is one of the most commonly detected fluorotelomer sulfonates in water systems, particularly at sites with a history of AFFF use. It is a precursor to shorter perfluorinated acids and sulfonates, contributing to ongoing PFAS contamination even after its own use is discontinued. 6:2 FTS has been found in water supplies across the United States, often co-occurring with PFOS and other long-chain PFAS. Research has shown that 6:2 FTS can be taken up by plants, potentially entering the food chain through crops irrigated with contaminated water.
Where 6:2 FTS comes from
Common uses
- Firefighting foam (AFFF)
- Food packaging coatings
- Carpet and textile treatments
- Industrial surfactants
Industries
- Firefighting
- Food packaging
- Textiles
- Industrial chemicals
Health effects of 6:2 FTS exposure
Short-term effects
- Liver enzyme changes in animal studies
Long-term effects
- Degrades to more persistent PFAS compounds
- Liver and kidney effects in animal studies
- Potential for food chain contamination
Most vulnerable populations
- People near airports, military bases, or industrial AFFF use
- People consuming produce from contaminated areas
How to remove 6:2 FTS from drinking water
- Reverse osmosis
- 88% removal
- Activated carbon
- 68% removal
- Ion exchange
- 89% removal
Is 6:2 FTS in your water? – Enter your ZIP at KnowYourExposure to see your local EPA test results.