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How to Avoid PFAS in Drinking Water
The term per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, is a mouthful — literally. These small, manmade chemicals are nearly everywhere — including our water. PFAS in drinking water are present in all 50 states. Yikes.
If you're worried about these forever chemicals, use our guide to learn how to avoid PFAS in your food, water, and household products.
Why Should You Avoid PFAS?
Right now, scientists are still studying how PFAS affect humans. However, several peer-reviewed scientific studies have found a link between PFAS and fertility, certain cancers, and hormonal issues. For many people, avoiding PFAS can bring peace of mind, especially since so much is still uncertain about their long-term effects.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a series of thousands of laboratory-made chemicals that take a long time to break down. They help make nonstick pans, grease-resistant food packaging, and waterproof clothing work. Because of their widespread use in numerous industrial and consumer products, it's not uncommon to find PFAS in drinking water, including public water systems and private water wells.
What are PFAS in water? Learn more in our comprehensive guide.
Why Should You Avoid PFAS?
Right now, scientists are still studying how PFAS affect humans. However, several peer-reviewed scientific studies have found a link between PFAS and fertility, certain cancers, and hormonal issues. For many people, avoiding PFAS can bring peace of mind, especially since so much is still uncertain about their long-term effects.
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Tips for Avoiding PFAS
Want to cut PFAS out of your life? Here are some tips on how to avoid PFAS.
Avoiding PFAS in Water
How do PFAS get into drinking water? It typically happens when industrial plants dump PFAS into bodies of water like streams, lakes, or rivers. PFAS can also seep into groundwater supplies from landfills.
Luckily, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency just imposed limits on six toxic PFAS chemicals found in drinking water, so this should help to reduce levels of PFAS over time. But since this might take a while, consider installing a reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon water filter in your home in the meantime. These can reduce levels of PFAS as well as other contaminants.
Avoiding PFAS in Food
PFAS are in more than just drinking water. You might also find them in some of the food you eat. For example, they're commonly used in pizza boxes to help make them grease-resistant. Crops can also come into contact with PFAS in the soil where they're grown.
Swap out your favorite non-stick pan with stainless steel, glass, cast iron, or another alternative. Avoid any products made with grease-resistant packaging — typically, frozen foods that you might bake in the oven. Don't forget popcorn! Microwavable bags are usually treated with PFAS.
Avoiding PFAS in Household Products
You also need to consider other products in your home that might have PFAS. Mattress pads, umbrellas, stain-resistant rugs, and other waterproof items all may contain PFAS.
If you own any of these products, replace them with alternatives that don't contain PFAS. Specifically, look for products that say they're PFAS-free.
Conclusion
Avoiding all PFAS in drinking water, food, and household products is nearly impossible, but you can limit your exposure. And that starts in the home with water filtration you can trust. Choose Pentair for improved water quality.
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*Please note that this water test kit does not test for PFAS.


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