Understanding Your PFAS Results
Interpreting Results
Why are we testing for 25 different PFAS compounds?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals with 10s of thousands of different variants. With our RTI CleanPlus testing kits, we are testing for some of the most common in drinking water. This aligns with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Method 533 to determine which PFAS are present in your drinking water samples. That method looks for 25 types of PFAS that are most prevalent in drinking water, have the most significant potential health impacts, and can be accurately and reliably detected.
What do you mean by “at or above the EPA standard”?
In April 2024, the EPA defined Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six types of PFAS in drinking water. These standards are meant to reduce public exposure to the types of PFAS most strongly linked to health risks. Some of these MCLs have not yet been regulated by EPA, while PFOA and PFOS have a 2029 compliance deadline.
EPA PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels
Compound | Final MCLG | Final MCL |
|---|---|---|
PFOA | Zero | 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) |
PFOS | Zero | 4.0 ppt |
PFHxS* | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
PFNA* | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
HFPO-DA or GenX* | 10 ppt | 10 ppt |
Mixtures of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS* | 1 (unitless) Hazard Index | 1 (unitless) Hazard Index |
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level (enforceable levels) MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal *Not currently regulated by EPA |
What does ‘ppt’ mean?
It stands for ‘parts per trillion.’ 1 ppt is like one drop in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Why should we test PFAS in water?
PFAS do not easily break down in the environment or our bodies. They are used in everyday products for their nonstick, water repellent, and stain resistant properties, so there are many opportunities for them to get into our water.
They can also have negative health effects. Drinking water contaminated with high levels of some PFAS can increase the risk of testicular and kidney cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and a reduced immune response to vaccines.