How to Get Rid of PFAS Chemicals in Water

What Is PFAS?

PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s because of their useful properties. There are thousands of different PFAS, with Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) being two of the most widely used and studied chemicals in the PFAS group. In recent years, the United States has replaced PFOA and PFOS with other PFAS.

On April 10, 2024, EPA announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS.

How Does PFAS Get Into Water?

Recent studies have revealed that PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," are present in South Florida's rainwater. This finding underscores the extensive environmental distribution of PFAS, highlighting their ability to enter water sources through atmospheric deposition. Such widespread contamination poses significant challenges for maintaining safe drinking water supplies.

How Can PFAS Affect People’s Health?

PFAS, the "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, posing potential risks. The health hazards of PFAS include increased cholesterol levels, hormone disruption, reproductive effects, pregnancy complications, immune system impairment, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Over 98% of the US population has been found to have four types of PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS) in their bloodstream (serum). These long-chain PFAS compounds have the ability to accumulate and persist in the human body for many years. Even after exposure is reduced or stopped, the levels of these substances decrease at a slow rate over time.