Synthetic organic chemicals, often shortened to SOCs in drinking-water regulation, are carbon-containing chemicals produced through human-controlled chemical manufacturing or synthesis.
They are an enormous and diverse group.
Depending on the context, synthetic organic chemicals can include:
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Industrial solvents
- Plasticizers
- PFAS
- Polymers
- Pharmaceuticals
- Flame retardants
- Many other industrial and consumer-product chemicals
Quick answer: “Synthetic organic chemical” describes a broad chemical category, not a level of danger. Some SOCs are low-toxicity at ordinary exposures, while others are regulated because they can affect human health or the environment. In drinking water, concern depends on the specific compound, its concentration, the duration of exposure, and the effectiveness of water treatment.
This guide focuses primarily on SOCs relevant to household exposure, environmental contamination, and drinking water.
In This Guide
- What Are SOCs?
- What Does “Organic” Mean?
- Common SOC Examples
- Pesticides & Herbicides
- VOCs & Industrial Solvents
- Plasticizers & BPA
- PFAS
- PCBs & Persistent Chemicals
- Personal-Care Chemicals
- How SOCs Reach Water
- Potential Health Effects
- Environmental Effects
- Reducing Exposure
- Water Filtration
- Where Berkey® Fits
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Synthetic Organic Chemicals?
In chemistry, an organic compound generally refers to a carbon-based chemical structure.
A synthetic organic chemical is one produced through deliberate chemical synthesis rather than occurring solely through natural processes.
That definition covers a huge range of substances with very different properties.
| Category | Examples | Common Uses or Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Pesticides | Atrazine, alachlor and other compounds | Agriculture and pest control |
| Industrial solvents | TCE, PCE | Degreasing, manufacturing, dry cleaning |
| Plasticizers | Phthalates such as DEHP | Flexible plastics and consumer products |
| PFAS | PFOA, PFOS and many others | Industrial processes and water-, grease- or heat-resistant products |
| Persistent organochlorines | PCBs | Historical electrical and industrial applications |
| Polymers | Polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, nylon | Packaging, textiles and manufactured goods |
Not all synthetic organic chemicals are drinking-water contaminants. Large polymers, such as intact polyethylene, behave very differently from small, dissolved chemicals such as TCE, atrazine, or certain PFAS.
Does “Organic” Mean Natural or Safe?
No.
In chemistry, organic does not mean the same thing as “organic food” or “natural.”
Many naturally occurring chemicals are organic compounds, and many manufactured chemicals are as well.
For example:
- Ethanol can be produced naturally through fermentation or industrially.
- Many pharmaceuticals are synthetic organic compounds.
- Some naturally occurring organic chemicals are toxic.
- Some synthetic organic chemicals have relatively low toxicity under normal use.
Chemical origin alone does not determine safety. Risk depends on the substance's toxicity, concentration, route of exposure, and duration of exposure.
Common Examples of Synthetic Organic Chemicals
Pesticides and Herbicides
Many pesticides and herbicides are synthetic organic chemicals designed to control:
- Weeds
- Insects
- Fungi
- Other unwanted organisms
Examples of synthetic organic pesticides that have been regulated or monitored in drinking water include compounds such as:
- Atrazine
- Alachlor
- Simazine
- 2,4-D
- Other agricultural chemicals
Pesticides can reach surface water or groundwater through:
- Agricultural runoff
- Leaching through soil
- Spills
- Improper storage
- Improper disposal
See our Pesticides Guide and Atrazine in Drinking Water Guide.
VOCs and Industrial Solvents
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are organic chemicals that evaporate relatively easily.
EPA notes that many VOCs are human-made chemicals used in products and industrial processes.
Examples include:
- Trichloroethylene, or TCE
- Tetrachloroethylene, or PCE
- Benzene
- Some fuel-related compounds
Trichloroethylene — TCE
TCE has historically been used as an industrial solvent and metal degreaser.
It can enter soil and groundwater through historical industrial releases, spills, and waste disposal.
EPA has concluded that TCE presents unreasonable risks under certain conditions of use, and exposure has been associated with multiple health concerns.
Tetrachloroethylene — PCE
PCE, also known as perchloroethylene, has been widely associated with dry cleaning and industrial degreasing.
EPA classifies PCE as likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
VOCs can also create an unusual exposure route when contaminated groundwater releases vapors into indoor air, a process known as vapor intrusion.
See our VOCs in Drinking Water Guide.
Phthalates, Plasticizers, and BPA
Plasticizers are additives that change the physical characteristics of plastics.
Phthalates are a well-known group of plasticizers used in some flexible plastics and other products.
DEHP, for example, has historically been used to increase the flexibility of PVC.
Health effects differ by individual phthalate.
EPA notes that some phthalates are suspected endocrine disruptors, meaning they may interfere with normal hormone activity.
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is another organic chemical historically used in certain plastics and resins. EPA notes that BPA may interfere with natural hormone systems.
It is inaccurate to treat all plasticizers as equally toxic or carcinogenic. Toxicological conclusions must be made on a chemical-by-chemical basis.
PFAS: Persistent Synthetic Organic Chemicals
PFAS are a large family of manufactured fluorinated chemicals.
They have been used because some PFAS provide resistance to:
- Water
- Oil
- Grease
- Heat
PFAS have been associated with applications such as:
- Firefighting foams
- Industrial processing
- Stain-resistant materials
- Certain food-contact materials
- Water-resistant products
Many PFAS are extremely persistent.
The original version of this article incorrectly says PFAS leave the body within a few days or weeks. Some PFAS can persist in the human body for years, depending on the particular compound.
EPA reports that research has associated exposure to certain PFAS with potential effects involving:
- Immune response
- Development
- Reproduction
- Cholesterol
- Some cancers
The evidence is not identical for every PFAS.
See our PFAS in Drinking Water Guide and PFAS Water Filter Guide.
PCBs and Other Persistent Organic Pollutants
Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, are synthetic organic chemicals historically used in electrical equipment and industrial applications.
PCB production was banned in the United States decades ago, but environmental contamination remains because these compounds are highly persistent.
PCBs can remain in:
- Soil
- River sediment
- Lake sediment
- Older equipment
- Food webs
Persistent chemicals are important from an environmental perspective because contamination can persist long after manufacturing or direct use ends.
Personal-Care Product Chemicals
Shampoos, cosmetics, lotions, fragrances, and other personal-care products contain many organic chemicals.
Examples can include:
- Parabens
- Fragrance compounds
- Preservatives
- UV filters
- Other formulation ingredients
When these products are washed off, some chemical residues can enter wastewater.
Wastewater treatment can effectively remove or transform some compounds, while others may pass through to varying degrees.
It is too broad to say wastewater plants “cannot remove” personal-care chemicals. Removal varies greatly depending on the chemical and treatment process.
See our Wastewater Treatment Guide.
What About Synthetic Fabrics and Plastics?
Polyester, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, and other polymers are themselves synthetic organic materials.
But they should be distinguished from smaller chemical additives that may be present in manufactured goods.
Potential chemical concerns associated with consumer products can involve:
- Plasticizers
- Flame retardants
- Surface treatments
- Dyes
- Residual manufacturing chemicals
Synthetic textiles can also release microfibers during washing.
I removed the original claim that exercising in synthetic clothing causes chemicals to penetrate the body and substantially increase the risk of endocrine or skin disease. That conclusion was presented much more strongly than the evidence in the article supported.
See our Microplastics Guide.
How Do Synthetic Organic Chemicals Reach Drinking Water?
SOCs can reach water through a variety of pathways.
Agricultural Runoff
Pesticides applied to agricultural land can move into rivers or groundwater through runoff and leaching.
Industrial Releases
Historical or current industrial activities can release solvents and other chemicals into:
- Soil
- Groundwater
- Surface water
Landfills
Water moving through discarded materials can create leachate containing a complex mixture of dissolved contaminants.
Wastewater
Household and industrial chemicals can enter wastewater collection systems.
Treatment effectiveness depends on the chemical and process.
Atmospheric Deposition
Some chemicals can travel through the atmosphere before eventually depositing onto land or water.
Clear water can still contain trace organic contaminants. Most SOCs relevant to drinking-water concerns cannot be identified reliably by sight, smell, or taste.
How Can SOCs Affect Human Health?
There is no single health profile for synthetic organic chemicals.
Potential effects depend on the individual chemical.
Endocrine Effects
Some chemicals can interfere with hormone signaling.
Examples studied for possible endocrine effects include:
- Some phthalates
- BPA
- Some pesticides
- Some PFAS
Cancer
Some synthetic organic chemicals are known or suspected carcinogens.
Others are not.
For example, specific industrial solvents such as TCE and PCE have significant cancer-related toxicological evidence.
Liver, Kidney, and Neurological Effects
Some solvents, pesticides, and other compounds can affect organs or the nervous system at sufficient exposures.
Developmental or Reproductive Effects
Certain chemicals have been studied for effects on:
- Fetal development
- Fertility
- Hormone regulation
- Child development
Hazard is not the same as risk. A substance can be hazardous at a particular dose while presenting much lower risk when exposure is very small. Dose, duration, and route of exposure matter.
How Do SOCs Affect the Environment?
Environmental behavior also varies greatly.
Some chemicals:
- Break down relatively quickly
- Evaporate into air
- Bind strongly to soil
- Dissolve readily in groundwater
- Accumulate in sediment
- Persist for years or decades
Persistence
PFAS and PCBs are examples of chemicals known for environmental persistence.
Mobility
Some solvents can migrate through soil into groundwater.
Bioaccumulation
Certain persistent chemicals can accumulate in organisms and move through food webs.
Not every SOC bioaccumulates. Persistence, mobility, water solubility, metabolism, and chemical structure all affect environmental behavior.
Practical Ways to Reduce Exposure
It is impossible—and unnecessary—to eliminate exposure to every synthetic organic chemical.
A more practical approach is to focus on known or likely sources.
Follow Product Instructions
Use:
- Cleaning products
- Solvents
- Pesticides
- Paints
- Adhesives
according to their labels and ventilation requirements.
Dispose of Chemicals Properly
Do not pour:
- Paint
- Motor oil
- Pesticides
- Industrial solvents
into drains, storm drains, or onto the ground.
Use local hazardous-waste collection programs.
Review Drinking-Water Information
Public-water customers can review their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.
Private-well owners should consider contaminant testing based on local land use and groundwater conditions.
Reduce Unnecessary Plastic Heating
Follow the manufacturer's guidance for plastic food containers and avoid heating products not designed for hot food or microwave use.
Choose Products Based on Specific Concerns
If avoiding PFAS, phthalates, BPA, fragrance chemicals, or other ingredients is important to you, evaluate the specific product rather than assuming all synthetic materials carry the same risk.
How Can Water Filtration Reduce Synthetic Organic Chemicals?
Water-treatment performance depends heavily on the chemical.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is widely used to remove organic compounds because its porous surface can adsorb specific molecules.
It can be effective for:
- Many VOCs
- Selected pesticides
- Chlorine-related compounds
- Some PFAS
- Many taste- and odor-producing organic compounds
Performance depends on:
- Carbon type
- Media quantity
- Contact time
- Contaminant chemistry
- Filter age
- Water chemistry
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse-osmosis systems can reduce many dissolved organic and inorganic contaminants, but performance varies by compound and system design.
Ion Exchange
Specialized ion-exchange media can be useful for certain charged organic compounds, including some PFAS.
No filter should be described as removing “synthetic organic chemicals” as a single category. Always evaluate performance for the exact compound or group of compounds of concern.
See our How Activated Carbon Filters Work and Types of Drinking Water Filtration Systems guides.
Where Do Berkey® Water Filters Fit?
Berkey® water filter systems are gravity-fed countertop filtration systems.
The relevant question for synthetic organic contaminants is not simply whether a system is a Berkey®.
The more useful question is:
Which filter element is installed, and which organic compounds has that element been tested to reduce?
Depending on the filter element, contaminant-specific testing may include:
- VOCs
- PFAS
- Selected pesticides
- Selected pharmaceuticals
- Other organic compounds
For this topic, the filter test data are more important than broad claims about “toxins” or “chemicals.” Review the actual compounds, concentrations, test conditions, and reduction results.
See our Water Filter Test Results and Berkey® Replacement Filters Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synthetic Organic Chemicals
What is a synthetic organic chemical?
A synthetic organic chemical is a carbon-based chemical produced through human-controlled chemical synthesis. The category includes many very different substances.
Are all synthetic organic chemicals toxic?
No. Toxicity varies enormously among compounds. Safety depends on the specific chemical, dose, route of exposure, and duration of exposure.
Does “organic chemical” mean natural?
No. In chemistry, the term "organic" generally refers to carbon-based compounds. Organic compounds can be naturally occurring or synthetic.
Are plastics synthetic organic chemicals?
Many plastics are synthetic organic polymers. However, intact polymers behave differently from smaller dissolved contaminants such as solvents, pesticides, or PFAS.
Are VOCs synthetic organic chemicals?
Many VOCs are synthetic organic chemicals, including industrial solvents such as TCE and PCE. However, VOC simply describes volatility, and not every VOC is synthetic.
Are pesticides SOCs?
Many pesticides are synthetic organic compounds, although pesticides can belong to multiple chemical classes and some occur naturally.
Are PFAS synthetic organic chemicals?
Yes. PFAS are manufactured fluorinated organic chemicals.
Are PFAS biodegradable?
Many PFAS are highly persistent and break down extremely slowly in the environment.
Do PFAS leave the human body quickly?
Not necessarily. Some PFAS can remain in the human body for years, although persistence varies substantially among individual PFAS.
Are phthalates endocrine disruptors?
Some phthalates are suspected or established endocrine-active chemicals, but health evidence and regulatory conclusions differ by specific phthalate.
Can synthetic organic chemicals contaminate groundwater?
Yes. Some pesticides, industrial solvents, PFAS, and other chemicals can reach groundwater through spills, leaching, waste disposal, or other pathways.
Can you taste synthetic organic chemicals in water?
Some compounds can affect taste or odor at certain concentrations, but many important contaminants cannot be reliably detected by taste, smell, or appearance.
Does activated carbon remove SOCs?
Activated carbon can reduce many organic contaminants, but effectiveness varies greatly by compound and filter design. It should not be assumed to remove every synthetic organic chemical.
Does reverse osmosis remove synthetic organic chemicals?
Reverse osmosis can reduce many organic chemicals, but performance depends on molecular properties and the specific system.
Can a TDS meter detect synthetic organic chemicals?
No. A standard household TDS meter cannot identify pesticides, VOCs, PFAS, phthalates, PCBs, or other specific organic contaminants.
Does wastewater treatment remove SOCs?
Removal varies by compound and treatment process. Some organic chemicals are readily removed or degraded, while others can persist through conventional treatment.
Do Berkey® filters remove synthetic organic chemicals?
Performance depends on the installed filter element and the individual compound. Review current contaminant-specific test data rather than treating SOCs as one removal category.
Final Thoughts
Synthetic organic chemicals are part of modern life, but they should not be treated as one uniformly dangerous class.
The category includes everything from useful polymers and medicines to regulated solvents, pesticides, PFAS, and persistent industrial pollutants.
The most useful questions are:
- Which chemical is involved?
- Where does exposure occur?
- At what concentration?
- How toxic or persistent is that specific chemical?
- Is it present in drinking water?
- Which treatment technology has demonstrated performance for it?
The key principle is specificity. “Synthetic,” “organic,” and “chemical” are broad labels. Real risk assessment—and effective water treatment—requires identifying the actual compound and evaluating it individually.