N-Ethyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamido Acetic Acid (NEtFOSAA)
N-Ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (NEtFOSAA) is a PFAS compound that serves as a precursor and transformation product of PFOS. It was used as a key ingredient in 3M's Scotchgard line and in firefighting foam formulations. NEtFOSAA degrades to PFOS in the environment and in human and animal bodies, making it an important contributor to PFOS body burden. It has been detected in both drinking water and human blood samples, especially near military bases and industrial sites where AFFF was historically used.
Where NEtFOSAA comes from
Common uses
- Firefighting foam
- Carpet and fabric protection (Scotchgard)
- Paper and food packaging
Industries
- Firefighting
- Textiles
- Food packaging
Health effects of NEtFOSAA exposure
Short-term effects
- Liver toxicity
- Hormonal effects
Long-term effects
- Degrades to PFOS–same long-term risks as PFOS
- Immune suppression
- Reproductive harm
Most vulnerable populations
- Military communities
- People near former industrial sites using AFFF
How to remove NEtFOSAA from drinking water
- Reverse osmosis
- 93% removal
- Activated carbon
- 80% removal
- Ion exchange
- 94% removal
Is NEtFOSAA in your water? – Enter your ZIP at KnowYourExposure to see your local EPA test results.