Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) is a 6-carbon PFAS carboxylate that is often found as a degradation product of longer-chain PFAS compounds or as a direct industrial release. It is more mobile in groundwater than longer-chain PFAS due to its shorter carbon chain. PFHxA is monitored under UCMR5 as part of efforts to better understand the full scope of PFAS contamination. While considered less bioaccumulative than 8-carbon compounds like PFOA, the health effects of shorter-chain PFAS are an area of active research.
Where PFHxA comes from
Common uses
- Surfactant manufacturing
- Fluoropolymer processing
- Industrial cleaning
Industries
- Chemical manufacturing
- Industrial cleaning
Health effects of PFHxA exposure
Short-term effects
- Liver enzyme changes
Long-term effects
- Potential liver effects
- Kidney effects
- Reproductive concerns
Most vulnerable populations
- Pregnant women
- Children
How to remove PFHxA from drinking water
- Reverse osmosis
- 88% removal
- Activated carbon
- 65% removal
- Ion exchange
- 89% removal
Is PFHxA in your water? – Enter your ZIP at KnowYourExposure to see your local EPA test results.