PFAS
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid — one of the most studied individual PFAS compounds.
What is PFOA?
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, C8) is a long-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acid historically used in fluoropolymer manufacture.
Why test for it?
PFOA is one of the individual PFAS compounds most frequently included in drinking water investigations and regulatory discussion, so it is usually reported separately rather than only within a PFAS sum.
Where can it come from?
- Historic fluoropolymer production
- Degradation of precursor fluorochemicals
- Legacy contamination at industrial sites
How is it measured?
Determined by LC-MS/MS alongside other target PFAS. Reported individually in ng/L and, where requested, contributing to a defined PFAS sum parameter.
What does my result mean?
PFOA results are best read alongside the full PFAS profile, since related compounds often occur together and inform where the contamination may originate.