Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA)
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), also known as PFPeA or C5, is a 5-carbon PFAS carboxylate monitored under UCMR5. It occupies an intermediate position between the ultra-short-chain PFBA and the more commonly known PFHxA. PFPeA is primarily found as a byproduct of fluorochemical manufacturing and as a degradation product of longer-chain PFAS. Its environmental mobility is high due to its short chain length. While toxicological data is limited, it is being studied as part of the broader effort to characterize short-chain PFAS risks.
Where PFPeA comes from
Common uses
- Industrial fluorochemical processing
- Surfactant synthesis
Industries
- Chemical manufacturing
Health effects of PFPeA exposure
Short-term effects
- Limited data available at drinking water concentrations
Long-term effects
- Potential liver effects based on animal studies
- Environmental persistence
Most vulnerable populations
- People near fluorochemical production facilities
How to remove PFPeA from drinking water
- Reverse osmosis
- 83% removal
- Activated carbon
- 55% removal
- Ion exchange
- 84% removal
Is PFPeA in your water? – Enter your ZIP at KnowYourExposure to see your local EPA test results.