PFAS, also known as forever chemicals made headlines a few years ago due to alarming levels found in bottled water. Read this simple guide to find out more about “what is PFAS in drinking water?”
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated substances. What is PFAS?
PFAS exposure extends beyond bottled water consumption. Your home’s tap water, whether from a public source or a well, might be contaminated with PFAS due to local pollution. In this detailed guide, we delve into all things PFAS, including their origin in the United States, the health risks they pose, and methods to eliminate them from your drinking water.
Understanding PFAS
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, refers to a group of approximately 4,000 chemicals characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These chemicals were extensively used in US factories, military bases, airports, and industrial sites for nearly a century until their harmful environmental impact became evident. PFAS persist in the environment, increasing the likelihood of human exposure.PFOA and PFOS
Two of the most common and dangerous PFAS, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), have been phased out but were once used in various consumer products, from kitchenware to paints, food packaging, and clothing. These “forever chemicals” have the ability to accumulate and persist in the environment for centuries.How Do PFAS Contaminate Water?
PFAS can enter the water supply through various routes. Proximity to factories, airfields, military bases, or oil refineries where these chemicals were used can lead to PFAS contamination through surface runoff. Shockingly, research from 2016 revealed that at least 6 million people in the US were drinking water with PFAS levels exceeding EPA recommendations.Health Risks Associated With PFAS
The EPA set a health advisory level for PFOS and PFAS in public water supplies at 70 parts per trillion (ppt), but even lower levels can pose health risks. These include an increased risk of cancer, immune system disruption, thyroid hormone problems, and low birth weight, among others.How to Test for PFAS in Water
PFAS are undetectable by sight, taste, or smell, making water testing crucial. Sending a sample to a state-certified laboratory can provide invaluable information about your water’s safety. To get your water tested most effectively, send a sample to a state-certified laboratory. While a one-time test typically falls in the range of $100 to $300, it’s not inexpensive. However, this testing can provide invaluable information for the health of both you and your family in the future.Removing PFAS from Drinking Water
If you need to remove PFOA and PFOS from your tap water, consider these treatment methods:- Activated Carbon Filters: These are highly effective at removing PFAS and the EPA has directly recommended them.
- Ion Exchange Systems: Anionic resins, being negatively charged, are effective for PFAS removal.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems can significantly reduce PFOA and PFOS, along with other contaminants.
Key Takeaways: PFOS and PFOA
- NSF International certifies products for PFAS removal that have been independently tested to meet EPA guidelines.
- While distillation is effective, it’s not a quick solution.
- Boiling water won’t remove PFAS; it can actually concentrate them.
- Check your local state’s water quality information online or use a state-certified laboratory test to determine your water’s composition.
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