247 E77 St., New York, NY 10075Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a class of man-made compounds used for various industrial and consumer products. These chemicals are a concern in terms of persistence in the environment and their ability to contaminate drinking water sources. This article discusses PFOA and PFOS among the many types of PFAS, considering their characteristics, probable health effects, and ways through which they can be effectively removed, ensuring safe drinking water in your home.
Characteristics of PFOA and PFOS
PFAS are a large family of anthropogenic chemicals with special properties. PFOA and PFOS are two of the most studied examples. Their extraordinary water and oil repellency are the reasons why they have been used since the 1950s in such a wide array of products: non-stick cookware, stain repellents for fabrics and carpets, firefighting foams, waterproof clothing and footwear, food packaging materials, as well as personal care products. Because of its wide use, PFAS have been found in all environmental media—soil, air, and water.
Their persistence is troublesome. Unlike many chemicals, the PFAS are very poorly broken down in the environment and have the potential to accumulate over very long periods of time. The property which makes them so useful in product applications gives them long-lasting ability. These chemicals can travel long distances in air and water before finding their way into ecosystems and the food chain. They have been detected in studies in areas far from production sites, which indicates how pervasive their reach is. Another concerning fact is their tendency for bioaccumulation, which increases the potential for top predators and humans to be exposed to them, leading to health risks.
Potential Health Effects of Exposure to PFOA and PFOS
The EPA and many other health organizations have warned of possible health risks for people exposed to PFOA and PFOS through drinking water. These health risks include developmental problems for fetuses and breastfeeding children, low birth weight, accelerated puberty, and skeletal variations. In many of these cases, the risk extends and is active even before birth. Several human epidemiological and toxicological studies have linked PFOA and PFOS to an increased risk of certain cancers, including testicular and kidney cancer, raising concerns about carcinogenicity.
Exposure also presents critical health risks to the liver, which, according to studies, may lose its functional capabilities, causing serious health complications in the long run. Another significant risk is an immune system malfunction. Scientific study shows that exposure to PFOA and PFOS reduces the body’s capacity for resisting infections, making many diseases easily communicable. Thyroid disruptions and changes in cholesterol have also been observed, indicating that the chemicals disrupt hormone regulation and metabolic processes. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued health advisories for PFOA and PFOS, recommending a combined concentration limit of 0.07 micrograms per liter in drinking water to reduce these risks. The advisory further highlighted the monitoring and control of PFAS as a critical part of ensuring public health protection.
Methods of Removing PFOA and PFOS from Drinking Water
Advanced filtration technologies for the removal of PFAS from drinking water are available. It involves a unique method wherein PFAS gets absorbed with the aid of Granular Activated Carbon. These filters soak up the PFOA and PFOS molecules as water rushes through them. This method is effective because of the extensive surface area of carbon granules, offering many sites for adsorption of contaminants. Maintenance and replacement are necessary because adsorption capacity can reduce over time.
The other effective technology for the removal of PFOA and PFOS is reverse osmosis. In RO technology, a slightly porous membrane allows for the passage of water molecules but blocks larger contaminants, including PFOA and PFOS. The system is very good at removing nearly all impurities. Reverse Osmosis systems also have several filtration stages; many of them include pre-filters and post-filters to ensure the highest quality water.
Another way to remove PFAS from water involves the use of specialized resins that attract and capture PFOA and PFOS ions from the water. Although systems specifically designed for this purpose can remove a high quantity of PFOS, they may not be as effective for PFOA because of its relatively smaller size and lower affinity for the resin. In any case, the resin should either be maintained periodically or changed continuously to remain effective. Each of these systems has distinctive strengths and limitations, and the choice of filtration system may have to be dependent on specific water quality issues and the needs of the household.
Ensuring Safe Drinking Water
Given the high health risks resulting from these contaminants (PFOA and PFOS), investing in a quality water filtration system can be a lifesaver, more so if you live in an area where PFAS presence is confirmed. TanklessFilter is the top solution provider for advanced under-sink filtration systems in New York City that eliminate PFAS. Let our expert team help you evaluate your water quality for the most appropriate filtration system.
Conduct testing on a regular basis for PFOS and PFOA so that early intervention can be staged when needed. Keeping yourself informed about possible sources of PFAS around will help you lower your exposure. Simple actions like avoiding products known to contain PFAS and endorsing tighter regulatory controls can contribute significantly to the control of these chemicals.
Why Choose TanklessFilter
At TanklessFilter, we are dedicated to delivering effective filtration solutions and offering adequate support to our clients in their decision-making process. We know that your water quality issues are unique, and that’s why we assist every step of the way through. From initial testing to choosing the correct filtration system for your needs to ongoing maintenance, rest assured that you will have safe and clean drinking water.
Conclusion
The threat presented by PFOA and PFOS calls for proactive measures toward water safety. Although these chemicals are perpetual and pervasive, investing in state-of-the-art filtration systems will go a long way in safeguarding your health and protecting the environment.
We do more than sell undersink filtration systems. We continually support you through regular maintenance services, keeping you updated on the latest filtration technologies, and advising you on good practices for keeping water safe. Contact us today to get more information on our products and services, and take that first step toward guaranteeing safe drinking water for yourself and your family.
