What to Do About PFAS & PFOAS in Our Water
If you've stayed up-to-date on breaking health risks, you've likely heard the term PFAS or PFOAS. Not only are these an emerging and ongoing risk for our health, but the problem seems to be increasing over time, leading regulatory bodies, including the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control, to take action against these compounds.
However, given the risks to human health and high exposure through drinking water, taking action on your own may be a prudent action. PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and PFOAs, or perfluorooctanoic acids, are forever chemicals. And despite being toxic substances, they're just about everywhere. This article looks at where these hazardous substances can be found, what's being done about them, their potential health risks, and what you can do to prevent PFAS contamination.
Where are PFAS and PFOAs found?
Despite negative health effects, PFAS chemicals can be found in a variety of products that we come in close contact with every day. These include:
1. Everyday Household Products
PFAS chemicals, despite their harmful effects, are present in many everyday items. These forever chemicals are commonly found in food-contact products such as nonstick cookware and grease-resistant fast-food wrappers. Their presence in kitchen items is especially concerning due to direct contact with food. PFAS are also in water-repellent and stain-resistant materials, often used in jackets, furniture covers, and even rugs. Because we use these products so frequently, they create consistent, low-level exposure to these toxic compounds
2. Clothing and Personal Items
Many clothing and accessory items marketed as waterproof or stain-resistant are treated with PFAS. This includes outerwear, shoes, bags, and even some sportswear. These garments allow PFAS to be absorbed through skin contact or released into the air as particles, especially when worn or washed regularly. Given how often we wear and touch these items, they represent a steady and underappreciated route of exposure to harmful chemicals in daily life.
3. Industrial and Commercial Sources
Beyond household products, PFAS are used in a number of industrial and commercial applications. One major source is firefighting foam, particularly those used to extinguish fuel-based fires, which heavily contribute to environmental contamination. PFAS are also found in cosmetics such as foundation and mascara, and in certain industrial processes, cleaners, and sealants. Although the general public may have lower exposure from these sources, they still contribute to widespread contamination over time.
Lack of Labeling Transparency
A major challenge for consumers is the lack of clear labeling when it comes to PFAS. Manufacturers are not currently required to disclose the use of PFAS in either the production process or the final product. This lack of transparency prevents people from making informed choices and avoiding exposure. Without mandatory labeling or stricter disclosure laws, it remains difficult to identify which products may be contributing to long-term PFAS contamination in homes and communities.
What’s Being Done About PFAS?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed some regulations to create a maximum threshold for six different PFAS chemicals in drinking water supplies. It's a step in the right direction, but it isn't the silver bullet needed for a significant reduction in the prevalence of these compounds. Two states, New York and California, have taken measures to ban PFAS from paper-based food packaging. This ban took effect beginning in 2023. Other states have taken a different approach to tackling PFAS & PFOAS. New Hampshire and New Jersey established tap water standards for a specific list of PFAS. The FDA, which is responsible for the safety of the food supply, took another regulatory step in the right direction in 2016 when it banned three specific chemicals from use in food packaging.
However, hundreds of similar chemicals are still in use today. The Environmental Protection Agency has also proposed limits for these chemicals to be under four parts per trillion in drinking water. Some businesses have taken matters into their own hands as well. For example, 3M announced its plan to remove PFAS from manufacturing processes by the end of 2025 as disease control and regulatory concerns increase. Meanwhile, some individuals turn to bottled water as a precaution against exposure.
Health Effects of Forever Chemicals On Drinking Water
At the heart of discussions about per and polyfluoroalkyl substances is their presence in drinking water and tap water supplies. This is because PFOA and PFOS chemicals are not intentionally added to the water supply but manage to make their way past water treatment methods, putting people at high risk of drinking PFAS contaminated water.
This issue is not localized either and seems to be a growing problem across the country. PFAS have been found in drinking water systems in all 50 states. More alarmingly, a study found that half the nation's tap water is contaminated with PFAS, despite efforts by the EPA to limit six specific chemicals from public water systems.
We have so much data today on just how bad the PFAS water contamination situation is because of the ongoing efforts by the EPA to monitor it and reduce PFAS concentrations. Additionally, people are more aware of PFAS chemicals because of increased reporting and multiple reported cases of forever chemicals in drinking water.
Impact on Immune and Hormonal Health
There is an alarming link between potential human health and exposure to PFAS compounds. Firstly, PFAS can weaken the immune system and reduce immune responses. Along the same lines, they can also reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines. Furthermore, PFAS are linked to more significant health problems, such as hormone imbalance, thyroid disease, liver issues, and more.
Risk For Pregnant Women and Infants
New mothers are at an even more considerable risk of the harmful effects of PFOAS & PFOS. As the mother ingests these compounds, they can accumulate in breast milk and affect fetal development, leading to low birth weights and other developmental problems.
Chronic Health Conditions and Cancer Risk
There are a host of other issues related to exposure, including a variety of metabolic disorders. Cholesterol issues, obesity, insulin levels, and insulin resistance are all linked to forever chemical exposure. Cancer is also a risk factor to consider when exposed to it. Certain cancers like kidney cancer and testicular cancer are also some of the nasty human health effects associated with pfas levels. The need for enforceable drinking water standards is more critical than ever to manage and mitigate these risks.
A Water Filter Can Help Protect You From PFAS Exposure.
In addition to waiting for more stringent regulation on PFAS in drinking water, you can protect yourself with water filters. The Environmental Working Group now recommends using a rated filtration system to protect you from PFAS and other chemicals in contaminated drinking water. Traditional and more conventional treatment methods may not be enough and may be entirely ineffective at protecting you from PFAS exposure.
Certain types of water filters have been proven effective when combined. Activated carbon and Ion exchange filtration technologies are two of the best options to filter PFAS. Most of our filtration systems use both of these technologies. Another very effective method is reverse osmosis. Our Reverse Osmosis systems combine all three technologies. RO, Activated Carbon and Ion exchange to filter PFAs. Reverse osmosis, or RO, can remove PFAS from water with up to 99% effectiveness.
Take Action Now
As awareness of PFAS contamination grows, individual action is essential. As regulatory measures progress, tap water filters like reverse osmosis or granular-activated carbon systems offer immediate protection against these harmful chemicals.
Ensuring clean drinking water and reducing human exposure is critical for your health, especially given the serious health risks associated with PFAS chemicals. Stay informed, consider effective filtration options, and advocate for stronger regulations to safeguard public health against forever chemicals. Moreover, PFAS testing and using filters rated to handle PFAS containing products are practical steps individuals can take to mitigate these risks.