OEHHA Recommendation Overview

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has proposed that the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) establish the notification level (NL) for perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) at 1 part per billion (1 microgram per liter). This level is designed to prevent noncancer health effects, including toxicity to the thyroid, nasal cavity, liver, and developmental issues.

About PFHxA

PFHxA is a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) class, commonly used in consumer products for their non-stick and stain-resistant properties, as well as in firefighting foams. Elevated exposure levels can lead to adverse health outcomes, raising concerns about PFHxA in drinking water due to its persistence and tendency to accumulate in groundwater.

Understanding Notification Levels

Notification levels are nonregulatory advisory benchmarks that the Water Board establishes for contaminants without regulatory standards. When PFHxA is detected at levels exceeding its NL, specific requirements are triggered for monitoring and response.

Further Information

For more details about PFAS, notification levels, and the Water Board's efforts to assess drinking water contamination, please visit the Water Board’s website.

Ref: https://oehha.ca.gov/water/public-health-goal/notification-level-recommendation-perfluorohexanoic-acid-pfhxa-drinking