WHAT ARE PFAS

PFAS (Per and Polyfluroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries since the 1940s. Some of the more common commercial applications have been for products like Teflon, stain & water–resistant materials, paints, polishes and fire fighting foams (a major source of ground water pollution near airports, military bases and fire fighting training centers). These chemicals are being detected at dangerous levels in drinking water supplies around the country.

There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans. If humans or animals ingest it (by eating or drinking food or water), they are absorbed and can accumulate in the body. PFAS stay in the human body for long periods of time. As a result, as people get exposed from different sources over time, the level in their bodies may increase to the point where they suffer from adverse health effects.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF PFAS

Studies indicate that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have caused tumors in animal studies. The most consistent findings from human epidemiology studies are increased cholesterol levels among exposed populations, with more limited findings related to infant birth weights and:

• effects on the immune system
• cancer (for PFOA), and
• thyroid hormone disruption (for PFOS).

Note: see https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas for more detailed information.

REMOVAL OF PFAS

The most effective technologies include Ion exchange, activated carbon adsorption and reverse osmosis.  The best option for removal of PFAS at the point of entry into the home is Ion Exchange, which consists of dual tanks filled with media specifically designed to pull PFAS out of the water.  To remove PFAS just for drinking water, reverse osmosis membrane technology is very effective.  For more on this topic, see the link at https://h2ocare.com/what-are-pfas/

H2O Care is an established, full-service water filtration and testing organization originally formed in 1989 with offices in Middleton, Stow & Lakeville, MA. See our published articles in Water Technology Magazines at http://h2ocare.com/publications.  Contact us at service@h2ocare.com or 800-539-1100.