The current recommended limit for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a commonly found PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance), in drinking water as set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is:
Options:

Correct option is A

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recommended a health advisory level for PFOA in drinking water at 4 parts per trillion (ppt). This stringent limit reflects the toxicological research that links PFOA exposure to several adverse health effects. PFOA is a persistent organic pollutant, resistant to breakdown in the environment, leading to bioaccumulation in living organisms and drinking water sources.
Health Impacts of PFOA:
· Increased risk of certain cancers.
· Liver damage and immune dysfunction.
· Reproductive and developmental issues.
Why the Strict Limit?
· Recent studies highlight the harmful effects of PFAS even at low concentrations.
· The precautionary limit ensures public safety, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.
Thus, 4 ppt is the recommended level to minimize risk and protect public health.
Information Booster 1. PFAS Characteristics:
· Known as "forever chemicals" due to their environmental persistence.
· Widely used in non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and industrial processes.
2. Other Regulated PFAS:
· PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) also has stringent advisory limits.
3. Detection and Removal:
· Advanced filtration techniques, such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis, are used to remove PFAS from water.
4. Global Standards:
· While EPA limits are 4 ppt, other countries vary significantly in their regulatory thresholds for PFAS.
5. Health Advocacy:
· The move to set low limits demonstrates increased awareness of chemical exposure in drinking water.
Additional Information · (b) 20 ppt: This limit has been proposed in some states as an interim guideline.
· (c) 70 ppt: Earlier EPA advisories set this as a limit for combined PFOA and PFOS but revised it with updated research.
· (d) 100 ppt: Higher thresholds are generally outdated and fail to address long-term exposure risks.