PFAS and Your Drinking Water

 

What PFAS is and where it came from:

PFAS and PFOs…  Forever Chemicals…   What?

PFAS are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances that include a group of chemicals including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The name “Forever Chemicals” stems from them not being able to break down in their environment.  The introduction of these chemicals dates back to the 1940s when Dupont pioneered nonstick cookware that was coated with Teflon.  

Interactive Map: PFAS Contamination Crisis: New Data Show 2,858 Sites in 50 States

 

Where can PFAS be found:

The family of fluorinated chemicals that derived from Teflon includes:  

  • Stain repellent and waterproof compounds in clothing and footwear
  • Carpets and textiles
  • Food packaging
  • Spot free rinse
  • Cosmetics
  • Sun care products
  • Firefighting foams
  • Adhesives
  • Pesticides

 

PFAS - City of Aurora

 

Dupont may have invented the Teflon chemical, but 3M became its main manufacturer. The decades of heavy use have resulted in contamination of the water cycle, soil and the blood of animals… and people from all corners of the world. There is a variety of over 4,000 synthetically made PFAS chemicals that can exist in both municipal and ground water sources. 

 

The risks of PFAS:

Are PFAS In Your Private or Public Drinking Water Supply? | Omni Environmental Group | Environmental Consultants

The most common PFAS in the United States are PFOA and PFOS.  In 1998 we were first made aware of the risks of PFAS and there is a steady movement to ban unnecessary uses of it.  Every American that has been tested does have PFAS in their blood.  At this time there is not enough information to fully understand the impact of PFAS to our health. However there are numerous studies  that have linked prolonged exposure to PFAS related chemicals to:

  • Growth and developmental difficulties 
  • Reproductive challenges
  • Testicular, kidney, liver and pancreatic cancer. 

 

PFAS Misconceptions:

The Devil We Know (2018) - IMDb

  • Misconception-PFAS are only detected in well water:  It can be found in both well and municipal water.  In 2001 in Parkersburg, WV PFAS exploded on the scene from the contamination of local water sources from a nearby Dupont plant.  This story was documented in the 2018 movie “The Devil We Know.”
  • Misconception-Boiling water removes PFAS:  Boiling water does not remove PFAS.  PFAS chemicals are very resilient and highly sustainable and resistant to being broken down.  

 

PFAS Water Filtering Options:

Testing: On-site testing done by water experts

Remediation: 
      Reverse Osmosis:  
            – Point of use (Drinking water)
            – Whole house (Bathing and washing of clothing/dishes)

      Granular Activated Carbon (GAC):
            – Will improve the taste of treated water

      Ion Exchange:
            – Water softener media resin 

 

How to Remove PFAS from Your Water Today?

The best plan of action is to have a free water analysis and consultation.  Speaking with a local water expert will at least tell you where you’re at and maybe where you need to go.  Call us today at 1-888-458-2118 or click the “Free Quote” button to get started.