In the last two years, an increasing number of legislative actions were proposed to reduce America’s exposure to a large group of chemicals called PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These substances were nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they take between ten and a thousand years to break down. The harm these chemicals do has been known for years but ridding the environment of them is challenging.
While both state and federal agencies are taking action, it may be a long time til these improvements reach your home’s well water.
What Are PFAS and Where Are They Used?
As many as 5,000 chemicals from this group are found in a wide array of industrial and consumer products. They are used in these and many other industrial and manufacturing processes:
- Air conditioning
- Apparel
- Coatings, paints and varnishes
- Cookware and bakeware
- Electronic components
- Firefighting foam
- Flame retardants
- Floor coverings
- Food production
- Mining and refining
- Oil and gas production and processing
- Pharmaceutical
- Photography
- Plastic and rubber production
- Textile production
Health Problems Associated with Exposure to PFAS
At one time, these chemicals were seen as wondrous additions to consumer and industrial products. They gave us non-stick cookware and waterproof and stain-resistant apparel and furnishings. It took time for the harm to health to show up. When the research on health issues caused by exposure to PFAS added up, the results were alarming.
Liver damage: PFAS accumulation in the liver can increase liver enzymes and cholesterol levels.
Hormonal disruption: PFAS can disrupt the body’s balance of hormones, leading to thyroid problems, reproductive issues, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Immune system dysfunction: PFAS may weaken the immune systems of some individuals, possibly increasing the number of infections and autoimmune diseases.
Developmental and reproductive problems: Exposure during pregnancy or early childhood can affect fetal development and increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and premature birth.
Cancer: Studies have shown an association between PFAS and increased rates of kidney, testicular and pancreatic cancer.
Other health effects: PFAS exposure has also been linked to high blood pressure, obesity, and asthma.
How Do PFAS Get into Your Well Water?
Almost any well could end up contaminated with PFAS. These chemicals gradually make their way into groundwater from surface contamination. Firefighting, airfields, manufacturing and agriculture can release PFAS into the air, soil or water that seep into the soil and travel to groundwater. Groundwater typically moves very slowly but over time, can travel hundreds of miles. Finally, this contamination ends up in your well and the glass of water you drink.
Actions to Reduce PFAS Exposure and Why They May Not Help
In the last few years, the Environmental Protection Agency has released dozens of new guidelines, grant notifications and regulations on the use of PFAS. States have recently followed suit, drafting more than 450 bills limiting the use of PFAS. Alaska, California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Colorado, Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island have already added their own requirements.
So why won’t these actions improve the quality of your well water? Because of the extremely long-lasting nature of these chemicals. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), for example, can persist in soil and groundwater for 1,000 years. Exposure to PFOA is associated with almost all the health problems listed above.
PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) is expected to last as long as several thousand years before it breaks down. The health effects of PFOS exposure are much the same as with PFOA. These chemicals are going to be with us for a very long time.
How to Get PFAS OUT of Your Well Water
By choosing the right type of water filter, you can remove PFAS from your well water. It’s important to note that not all filters will remove these chemicals. These are your choices:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) is effective but is expensive and may increase your water bill.
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters are less expensive but may not be as effective.
- Filters with an NSF P473 certification are also effective.
To find out if you have PFAS contamination in your well, choose ETR Laboratories’ 18 Compound PFAS Test. Within just a few days, you’ll know exactly what is in your water. Order your test today!
