Is There PFHxS in Yantic, CT Water? (ZIP 06389)

What is PFHxS?

PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid) is a six-carbon PFAS compound used in firefighting foams, stain-resistant treatments, and industrial applications. It is one of the most persistent PFAS chemicals detected in human blood. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been established for PFHxS individually. It accumulates in the body with a half-life of several years and is linked to thyroid disruption, immune suppression, and developmental effects.

PFHxS matters most for infants, pregnancy — 'forever chemicals' linked to developmental and immune effects; can transfer through the placenta and breast milk. The safe level for these groups is stricter than for a healthy adult.

• Install a reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, which removes over 90% of PFHxS and other PFAS compounds from drinking water.

• Use a granular activated carbon or carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with PFAS specifically listed; shorter-chain PFAS like PFHxS may require higher-quality carbon.

• Consider an ion exchange resin system designed for PFAS removal, which can be effective for sulfonated PFAS compounds at the whole-house level.

• Test your water using EPA Method 533 or 537.1 to confirm PFHxS levels before and after treatment, as shorter-chain PFAS can be harder to remove than longer-chain variants.

How Yantic compares

Across Connecticut, PFHxS is detected in 3 of the communities we track, and is above a limit or standard in 3. In Yantic (06389), it was found in 22% of samples, above the EPA limit in 22% of samples.

Other contaminants of concern in Yantic (06389)

See the full Yantic water quality report →