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PFBA and Drinking Water
PFBA
Perfluorobutyrate (PFBA) is one of a group of related chemicals known as perfluorochemicals (PFCs).
These are also called perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS). This group of chemicals is commonly
used in non-stick and stain-resistant consumer products, food packaging, fire-fighting foam, and
industrial processes.
PFBA is a breakdown product of other PFCs used in stain-resistant fabrics, paper food packaging, and
carpets. PFBA was also used for manufacturing photographic film. The 3M Company was once a major
manufacturer of PFBA and products containing PFBA but production was phased out in 1998.
PFBA in Minnesota Waters
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has detected PFBA in Minnesota rivers that have been
tested for PFCs. Most test locations were downstream from towns or cities. PFBA was more commonly
detected than other PFCs in those waters.1,2
PFBA has been detected in private drinking water wells and public drinking water systems in several
parts of Minnesota where known industrial use or disposal of PFBA occurred in the past. PFBA has been
detected in sources of public drinking water at levels up to 3.5 parts per billion (ppb).3 MDH and MPCA
routinely sample affected areas for PFBA and related chemicals.
MDH Guidance Value
Based on available information, MDH developed a guidance value of 7 ppb for PFBA in drinking water.
MDH guidance values are developed to protect people who are most vulnerable to the potentially
harmful effects of a contaminant. A person drinking water at or below the guidance value would be at
little or no risk for harmful health effects.
Potential Health Effects
In laboratory animal studies, exposure to high levels of PFBA resulted in thyroid and liver effects, such as
increased thyroid and liver weight, changes in thyroid hormones, decreased cholesterol, and cellular
changes in both organs. Other effects of PFBA exposure included delayed development and decreased
red blood cells and hemoglobin. Studies of PFBA in people are lacking.
Potential Exposure to PFBA
PFBA has been detected in the blood of people exposed to PFCs, but is less common than other PFCs.
The human body is able to eliminate PFBA faster than some other PFCs.4
For people living in areas affected by PFC release or disposal, drinking water may be a major source of
PFBA exposure. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filter treatment systems can reduce the levels of
PFBA in drinking water in your home.
PFBA AND DRINKING WATER
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PFBA in the Environment
While industrial production and use of PFBA has declined in recent years, PFBA can be formed in the
environment as a breakdown product of related PFCs that are still in use. PFBA is persistent in the
environment, meaning it does not break down easily in soil or water. PFBA more easily dissolves in
water than other PFCs and does not stick to soil. This means it can move faster in the environment and
may contaminate large areas of groundwater. In several large areas of Minnesota, PFBA has moved into
groundwater over the course of many years.
Health Risk Assessment Unit
The MDH Health Risk Assessment Unit evaluates the health risks from contaminants in drinking water
sources and develops health-based guidance values for drinking water. MDH works in collaboration with
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to understand
the occurrence and environmental effects of contaminants in water.
References
1. National Water Quality Monitoring Council. 2017. Water Quality Portal (https://www.waterqualitydata.us).
Accessed April 2017.
2. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). 2013. “Perfluorochemicals in Mississippi River Pool 2: 2012
Update.” Retrieved from https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/c-pfc1-21.pdf. Accessed April 2017.
3. Minnesota Drinking Water Information System (MNDWIS). 2017. Accessed by MDH staff April 2017.
4. Minnesota Department of Health. 2009. “Environmental Public Health Tracking and Biomonitoring in
Minnesota.” Retrieved from http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpcd/tracking/pubs/schsac.pdf. Accessed
April 2017.
Minnesota Department of Health
Health Risk Assessment Unit health.risk@state.mn.us
www.health.state.mn.us
AUGUST 2017
To obtain this information in a
different format, call: 651-201-
4899.