PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals” in Our Drinking Water

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have become a significant concern due to their widespread use, persistence in the environment, and potential health risks. Let’s dive into what PFAS are, why they matter, and how they impact our drinking water.

What Are PFAS?

1. Chemical Composition: PFAS are composed of carbon and fluorine atoms, forming strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds make them resistant to breakdown in the environment.
2. Common Types: Two well-known PFAS compounds are perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
3. Ubiquitous Presence: PFAS are found in various consumer, commercial, and industrial products, including firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and more.

Why Are PFAS a Concern?

1. Environmental Persistence: PFAS do not break down easily, leading to their accumulation in soil, water, and wildlife.
2. Contaminated Drinking Water: PFAS can migrate through soil and contaminate drinking water sources. When our water supply is tainted with PFAS, it becomes a significant portion of our total exposure.
3. Bioaccumulation: These chemicals accumulate in fish and wildlife over time. When we consume contaminated fish or other food products, we ingest PFAS.
4. Health Risks: Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to harmful effects in humans and animals. These include cancer, birth defects, thyroid disease, liver damage, high cholesterol, and nerve disorders.
5. Long-Term Effects: Exposure during critical life stages (such as pregnancy and early development) may have lasting health consequences.

What We Still Need to Understand

1. Detection and Measurement: Researchers are working to improve methods for detecting and measuring PFAS in air, water, soil, and wildlife.
2. Human Exposure: Determining how much people are exposed to PFAS is crucial for risk assessment.
3. Removal from Drinking Water: Developing effective techniques to remove PFAS from drinking water remains a challenge.
4. Safe Disposal: Proper management and disposal of PFAS are essential to prevent further contamination.

Conclusion

PFAS are the “forever chemicals” that persist in our environment and impact our health. As scientists continue their investigations, we must remain vigilant about our water sources and advocate for safer alternatives to reduce PFAS exposure.

One way to do this is by installing a whole house water protection system today.