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- Drinking Water & PFAS: Reduce Contaminants in Your Water
What Are PFAS Contaminants?
PFAS are industrial contaminants whose effects are just now starting to be understood. PFAS is a broad category that many chemicals fall under — so first, let's take a look at some common acronyms used when referring to specific types of chemicals within this group.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short, are a group of man-made chemicals used to manufacture hundreds of products. PFAS are used in a variety of industries and can be found in the environment and human body. PFAS usage in the United States dates back to the 1940s.
The two most commonly produced PFAS are perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Scientists have studied the effects of these two specific chemicals the most, but there are over 4,000 unique PFAS.
Why Are PFAS A CONCERN?
In recent years, there has been growing awareness and concern over PFAS and the potential health implications that could occur as a result of exposure to these pollutants.
PFOA and PFOS are commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily degrade. This, combined with their widespread use, means that PFAS are present virtually everywhere in the environment. They have been found in the blood of people and animals, and at low levels in a variety of food products.
According to CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
Where Do PFAS Come From?
A variety of manufactured products contain PFAS, especially to achieve water-repellency. According to the EPA, some conventional products that feature PFAS include common items, like firefighting foam, non-stick pans, pizza boxes, fast food wrappers, cleaning products, polishes, cosmetics, shoes, and clothing.
Significant sources of PFAS contamination in the environment are sites where PFAS manufacturing occurs or where firefighting training happens. Many places where groups have identified PFAS contamination are military bases and airports where firefighters use foam to conduct drills and training exercises. The foam later washes into streams and waterways, becoming a water pollutant.
How to Test Your Water for PFAS
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) collected water samples from around the country and mapped them in a useful, interactive PFAS Contamination Map. According to the EWG, as of January 2021, more than 2,300 locations in 49 states are known to have PFAS contamination. If you believe the drinking water in your home or private well could contain PFAS, it’s best to conduct a water test for confirmation.
For accurate results, you should find a laboratory certified by the EPA to test for drinking water contaminants. Search the EPA database of local certified laboratories and contact them right away. They will provide instructions for collecting and shipping your water sample to determine if your water contains PFAS.
How to reduce PFOA/PFOS in drinking water
PFAS has been deemed the "forever chemical" that can accumulate gradually in drinking water. Pentair carries affordable water filtration systems that are third party certified to reduce PFOS and PFOA concentrations in your drinking water by up to 98% when used as directed.
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