Are the PFAS Forever Chemicals Actually Forever?
One of the challenges with drinking water safety is that “clear” water isn’t necessarily an indicator that the water is “clean.” From microscopic parasites to dangerous metals like lead, your tap water could have more problems than you’d expect. The issue of PFAS forever chemicals in water is just another item on the list. Fortunately, there are PFAS water filter options that can keep your drinking water safe for everyone in your home.
Where Do Forever Chemicals Come From?
Since the 1940s, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (collectively known as PFAS) have been used to manufacture all sorts of products. These include fire-retardant coatings for clothing and carpet, and even the waterproof properties on shoes and food wrappers. Those inventions are neat, but the problem with PFAS chemicals is that they are highly water soluble. They also have especially long half-lives. That’s why people typically refer to PFAS as “forever chemicals.”
A recent report states that there are about 700 PFAS-contaminated sites confirmed across the country. This makes it incredibly easy for PFAS (like the more common PFOS and PFOA types) to leach into our water supply. From there, not even the efforts of the water treatment plants are enough to remove forever chemicals from tap water.
Addressing the PFAS Health Risks
The EPA has shared a basic factsheet for PFAS that outlines some of the health risks of having PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. Put simply, the body can accumulate PFAS from a variety of different places. If someone were to continue drinking PFAS-contaminated water, their own PFAS levels could impact their immune system and overall health.
Already, studies have shown that PFOA and PFOS can cause tumors in animals and impact their kidney, liver, reproductive, and other developmental functions. Human studies so far indicate that PFAS exposure can increase cholesterol levels and may have an effect on infant birth weights, as well as cancer (for PFOA) and thyroid disruptions (for PFOS). While it’s incredibly difficult to avoid these substances completely, there are definitive ways to keep them out of our drinking water with point-of-use filtration. Getting a PFAS water filter can help keep these potential PFAS health issues from getting worse.
How to Find a PFAS Water Filter
While the municipal water treatment plants have rigorous standards in place, the process to get rid of PFAS requires a complex type of water filter. These contaminants are extremely small, so a basic activated carbon water filter isn’t enough either. Instead, you’ll need reverse osmosis filtration. These types of filters work with tiny, high-pressure membranes, and that makes them more powerful.
But still, not all reverse osmosis systems are rated to remove these chemicals. If you’re looking to filter PFAS, then you need a RO filter that is designed to handle these contaminants, like the ERO 385 made by EcoWater. This unit is special because it’s truly a PFAS water filter. Plus, it’s NSF certified. When it comes to drinking water, those forever chemicals don’t have to be left “forever,” after all!
The best water filtration systems can give you peace of mind that your drinking water is consistently suitable for drinking. The challenge of addressing PFAS in the environment and our water supply is far from over. But it’s nice to know that you have options for tackling the problem right at your own tap. If you have any questions about RO filters and forever chemicals, please don’t hesitate to send us a message. We’d be happy to help you find the right water filtration solution for your needs!