N-Methyl Perfluorooctane Sulfonamido Acetic Acid (NMeFOSAA)
N-Methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (NMeFOSAA) is the N-methyl analogue of NEtFOSAA and similarly serves as a PFOS precursor. It was widely used in 3M's Scotchgard products and AFFF formulations. Like NEtFOSAA, NMeFOSAA biodegrades to PFOS in the environment. Its detection in drinking water indicates historical PFAS use in the area. NMeFOSAA has been found in human blood, particularly in workers in industries that historically used PFAS-based surface protection products.
Where NMeFOSAA comes from
Common uses
- Firefighting foam
- Carpet and upholstery protection
- Paper coatings
Industries
- Firefighting
- Textiles
- Food packaging
Health effects of NMeFOSAA exposure
Short-term effects
- Liver enzyme effects
- Potential hormonal disruption
Long-term effects
- Converts to PFOS–same long-term health risks
- Immune effects
- Reproductive toxicity
Most vulnerable populations
- Workers in historical PFAS industries
- People near AFFF use sites
How to remove NMeFOSAA from drinking water
- Reverse osmosis
- 93% removal
- Activated carbon
- 80% removal
- Ion exchange
- 94% removal
Is NMeFOSAA in your water? – Enter your ZIP at KnowYourExposure to see your local EPA test results.