Water Contaminants: PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Forever Chemicals in drinking water
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as Forever Chemicals or PFAS are one of the most concerning health risks we are currently facing. It is in our drinking water and in innumerable sources in our environment. It persists in our water supply, never degrades, and its chemical make-up is resistant to heat, grease and water. Wherever these chemicals go — in the environment, or in our bodies — they will stay.
PFAS could truly be a “forever” problem for the U.S.
The U.S. Environmental Protectional Agency (EPA) has proposed strict new limits on six types of PFAS as we learn more about the dangers caused by these chemicals.
A growing number of studies have linked Forever Chemicals to cancers, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, liver damage, asthma, allergies, and reduced vaccine response in children. PFAS have also been linked with decreased fertility, newborn deaths, low birthweight, birth defects, and delayed development.
In an interview by Business Insider, Carmen Messerlian, assistant professor of environmental, reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said that these dangers are “ust the tip of the iceberg … this is only basically what we’ve been able to study. There’s probably a lot more impact. We just haven’t been able to do the science to be able to show it.” 1
How do PFAS contaminate our water?
Contamination in water occurs through various pathways, including industrial discharges, firefighting foam use, and consumer product leaching. Here's how PFAS find their way into our water sources:
Industrial Discharges
Many industries, such as manufacturing facilities and chemical plants, use PFAS in their processes. These substances can enter waterways through industrial discharges and runoff, contaminating nearby surface water and groundwater.
Firefighting Foam
A significant source of PFAS contamination is firefighting foam, particularly aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains PFAS compounds to suppress fires involving flammable liquids. Accidental spills, training exercises, and firefighting activities can release PFAS into the environment, leading to water contamination.
Landfills and Waste Sites
Landfills and waste sites where PFAS-containing products are disposed of can also contribute to water contamination. Over time, PFAS leach from disposed materials and infiltrate the surrounding soil and groundwater, posing a risk to nearby water sources.
Consumer Products
PFAS are commonly used in various consumer products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics. When these products are disposed of or washed, PFAS can enter wastewater treatment systems and ultimately contaminate water bodies.
Atmospheric Deposition
PFAS can also be transported through the atmosphere and deposited onto land and water surfaces. This atmospheric deposition can contribute to PFAS contamination in water sources, particularly in areas near industrial sites or regions with high PFAS emissions.
Once PFAS enter the water supply, they can persist for long periods due to their chemical stability and resistance to degradation. These contaminants can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, posing serious risks to human health and the environment.
What are the health hazards of PFAS in water?
The list of health hazards from PFAS in the water is so long it may be easier to outline what dangers it doesn’t pose. PFAS in water can pose significant health hazards due to their toxicity and persistence. Some of the key health risks:
Increased Risk of Cancer
Several studies have linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds with an increased risk of various cancers, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and prostate cancer.
Developmental Effects
PFAS exposure during pregnancy may lead to adverse developmental effects in infants and children, including low birth weight, delayed development, and negative impacts on the immune system.
Liver Damage
Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been associated with liver toxicity, including liver damage and changes in liver enzyme levels. This can lead to liver diseases such as hepatitis and liver cancer.
Immune System Dysfunction
PFAS exposure has been linked to immune system dysfunction, including impaired antibody response to vaccines and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Endocrine Disruption
Some PFAS compounds have been shown to disrupt hormone regulation in the body, potentially leading to reproductive problems, thyroid disorders, and disruptions in the body's natural hormonal balance.
Cholesterol Levels
Certain PFAS compounds have been associated with elevated cholesterol levels, including increases in LDL cholesterol (commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol) and decreases in HDL cholesterol (known as "good" cholesterol), which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Neurotoxicity
Studies have suggested that exposure to PFAS may have neurotoxic effects, including cognitive impairments, behavioral changes, and alterations in neurodevelopmental processes.
Kidney Damage
Some PFAS compounds have been linked to kidney damage and impaired kidney function, including decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
Reproductive Effects
Exposure to certain PFAS compounds may affect reproductive health, including decreased fertility, alterations in hormone levels, and adverse effects on reproductive organs.
Thyroid Disorders
PFAS exposure has been associated with thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and autoimmune thyroid disease, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.
Overall, the health hazards of PFAS in water underscore the importance of monitoring and mitigating PFAS contamination to protect public health and prevent adverse health outcomes.
PFAS removal and reduction in water
Removing PFAS from drinking water at home can be challenging due to the persistent nature of these contaminants and their molecular size. However, several treatment methods can help reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. Activated Carbon Filtration seems to be the most effective method, but not every carbon filter can have an impact. Evidence suggests that a deep carbon bed is required with the appropriate flow.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters, such as granular activated carbon (GAC) or activated carbon block filters, are commonly used to remove PFAS from water. Activated carbon adsorbs PFAS molecules onto its surface, effectively trapping them as water passes through the filter.
“GAC has been shown to effectively remove PFAS from drinking water when it is used in a flow through filter mode after particulates have already been removed. EPA researcher Thomas Speth says, “GAC can be 100 percent effective for a period of time, depending on the type of carbon used, the depth of the bed of carbon, flow rate of the water, the specific PFAS you need to remove, temperature, and the degree and type of organic matter as well as other contaminants, or constituents, in the water.”“ - Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water with Treatment Technologies | US EPA
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration
Reverse osmosis systems are also highly effective at removing PFAS from water. RO filtration works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks contaminants, including PFAS, while allowing clean water to pass through. RO systems typically consist of multiple stages of filtration and require periodic maintenance, including membrane replacement.
Longevity systems that remove PFAS?
Longevity Water Systems use a combination of activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis to reduce and remove PFAS. The two best systems for PFAS reduction/removal are the following:
Our activated carbon filtration systems remove PFAS, as well as contaminants such as chlorine, pharmaceuticals, and organics — including Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and antibiotics. Using special process media and coconut shell carbon or catalytic carbon in a back-washing system, contaminant removal is effective and reliable. We customize the system to the appropriate size (and bed depth), flow rate, and source water quality to ensure effective filtration.
RO is considered one of the most all-around effective ways of eliminating water contaminants, removing up to 99% of heavy trace metals such as lead and chromium, unsafe minerals like asbestos, and 80+ other additional contaminants. A 5-stage RO like the Longevity system uses GAC carbon and dual activated carbon filters that can remove antibiotics. Because RO requires higher maintenance and frequent filter changers, it is advised to use them only at drinking water use points, such as in the kitchen.
Let’s clean up your water
The first step to removing PFAS from your home or business’ water is to have our Longevity experts come to you location and run a comprehensive test of your water. From there we will determine the appropriate water treatment system build for your situation.
