Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) is a 10-carbon PFAS compound found in water systems typically alongside PFOA and other long-chain PFAS. PFDA bioaccumulates more readily than shorter-chain compounds due to its larger size. While the EPA has not established a standalone MCL for PFDA, it is monitored under UCMR5 testing. PFDA has been detected in human blood samples worldwide and is considered one of the most toxic PFAS compounds due to its high bioaccumulation potential. Several states have identified it as a compound of concern in their PFAS action plans.
Where PFDA comes from
Common uses
- Surfactant manufacturing
- Industrial coatings
- Food contact materials
Industries
- Chemical manufacturing
- Industrial coatings
Health effects of PFDA exposure
Short-term effects
- Liver toxicity
- Immune effects
Long-term effects
- Liver damage
- Immune suppression
- Reproductive harm
- Developmental toxicity
- Kidney effects
Most vulnerable populations
- Pregnant women
- Infants (breast milk transfer)
- People near chemical plants
How to remove PFDA from drinking water
- Reverse osmosis
- 96% removal
- Activated carbon
- 88% removal
- Ion exchange
- 97% removal
Is PFDA in your water? – Enter your ZIP at KnowYourExposure to see your local EPA test results.