What are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a complex grouping of synthetic chemicals used in consumer products since the 1950s. They are commonly incorporated to create anti-stick food accessories, stain-resistant clothing, and more impactful firefighting foam. PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they have a chain of linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest, these chemicals do not degrade easily in the environment.
How Are People Exposed to PFAS?
Due to the abundance of PFAS in everyday life, humans are exposed to them in a variety of ways. These chemicals are used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries. Over time, they may even leak into the soil and water. Humans are most commonly exposed to PFAS through PFAS-contaminated water, food, and products made with forever chemicals.
One report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found PFAS in the blood of about 97% of Americans. Other reports show that since these chemicals were banned in the early 2000s, their levels have actually reduced. However, with new PFAS chemicals being created, measuring exposure to them can be difficult.
Forever Chemical’s Health Concerns
Higher Cholesterol
Research suggests that PFAS exposure can lead to higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of obesity in some adults. While this is often a contributing risk, among other factors, forever chemicals have been shown to increase the likelihood of becoming overweight.
Weakened Immune System
Studies show that PFAS exposure may prevent your body from effectively fighting off an infection. Forever chemicals have also been shown to cause increased bouts of sickness in those with heavy exposure.
Increased Risk of Cancer
Exposure to PFAS in young women can lead to structural changes to the mammary glands and an increased risk of breast cancer. They are also linked to an increased risk of other cancers, such as testicular and kidney cancer.
Thyroid Disease and Liver Damage
In high exposures to certain PFAS, individuals may experience thyroid disease as well as liver damage in extreme cases.
Fertility and Development
PFAS are often associated with fertility issues and pregnancy-induced hypertension, making it harder for women to conceive. Similarly, forever chemicals can have negative effects on children's development, including low birth weight, delayed growth, early puberty, and behavioral changes.
How are Forever Chemicals Filtered Out of Water?
Filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes have been shown to effectively remove PFAS from water. Regular maintenance is required for any water treatment system to work properly. There are generally two types of water treatments for PFAS: point-of-use and point-of-entry. Point-of-use treatments are typically more economical than point-of-entry treatments, but both can be effective.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse Osmosis uses energy to send water through a membrane with tiny pores. The membrane can stop many (but not all) contaminants while allowing water to pass through. Reverse osmosis is typically more practical as a point-of-use treatment option than for point-of-entry.
Granular Activated Carbon Filter
The granular activated carbon filter collects contaminants as they pass through multiple layers of an intricate filter. This is one of the most common forms of water filtration and is often found as a point-of-use treatment.
Ion Exchange Resins
In this type of filtration, contaminants are attached to tiny beads of resin, which keep them from passing through the water system. Some ion exchange resin systems may remove PFAS, but not all can make that claim.
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