Perfluoroheptane Sulfonic Acid (PFHpS)
Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) is a 7-carbon sulfonated PFAS included in UCMR5 monitoring. It is structurally related to PFOS and shares many of its environmental persistence characteristics. PFHpS has been detected at military bases and industrial sites where AFFF was used. It tends to co-occur with PFOS and other long-chain PFAS. Like other sulfonated PFAS, PFHpS is expected to be highly persistent in both the environment and the human body. No federal drinking water standard has been established specifically for PFHpS.
Where PFHpS comes from
Common uses
- Industrial surfactants
- Firefighting foam components
- Metal plating
Industries
- Industrial chemicals
- Firefighting
- Metal manufacturing
Health effects of PFHpS exposure
Short-term effects
- Potential hormonal disruption
Long-term effects
- Environmental persistence similar to PFOS
- Potential liver and immune effects
Most vulnerable populations
- Military personnel and nearby communities
- People near AFFF use sites
How to remove PFHpS from drinking water
- Reverse osmosis
- 92% removal
- Activated carbon
- 76% removal
- Ion exchange
- 93% removal
Is PFHpS in your water? – Enter your ZIP at KnowYourExposure to see your local EPA test results.