Tap into environmental news circulating the planet and you will find millions of reports, studies and articles talking about the “forever chemicals”—PFAS or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals have been used in industry since the 1940s to make waterproof, stain-resistant and non-stick products that have been very popular with consumers. Why are there so many news reports and studies on these chemicals? Because after decades of use, however, the harm done by these chemicals has slowly come to light.
It turns out that exposure to PFAS has been associated with serious health conditions, such as:
- Testicular, kidney, liver and pancreatic cancer
- Reproductive problems
- Poor childhood immunity
- Developmental problems among children
- Endocrine disruption
- Higher cholesterol levels.
PFAS are found in thousands of consumer products, including the following:
- Shampoos
- Insect repellents
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizing lotion
- Cosmetics
- Nail polish
- Dental floss
- Toothpaste
- Sealants
- Paints
- Firefighting foam
- Nonstick cookware
- Microwave popcorn bags
- Candy wrappers
- Fabric softeners
- Stain-resistant or waterproof fabrics
- Fast food containers, wraps and packaging
- Food or drink in sealed packages
- Wire and cable coatings
Why They Are Nicknamed “Forever Chemicals”
They earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they won’t break down into harmless substances for hundreds or even thousands of years. There are thousands of chemicals in this group. The two most common are Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). Both these PFAS were phased out of use in 2002 but will still persist in industrial and domestic sites as well as water, soil, landfills and household products.
Once these were phased out, new types of PFAS began to be used in their stead. These new PFAS, dubbed GenX chemicals, may prove to be just as harmful as the ones they replaced.
Tests Show Nearly All Americans Have PFAS in Their Blood
A 2004 study of the blood of thousands of people revealed that nearly all samples contained PFAS. Where did their exposure come from? Consumer protection organizations report that PFAS are found in the drinking water of 49 states. Tens of millions of Americans may be exposed every day to unsafe levels of PFAS. The chemicals have been found both in public drinking water supplies and private wells.
Areas that may be particularly contaminated include those near PFAS manufacturing sites or locations that used PFAS in products, plus airports, landfills and military bases. Nearly 3,000 locations in the U.S. are reported to be contaminated with PFAS.
Gradually, the federal government is developing enforceable standards and goals for the reduction of 29 different PFAS in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency plans many other actions, such as eliminating non-essential uses of PFAS, stopping industries from discharging PFAS into the air and water, cleaning up past PFAS pollution, and disposing of PFAS waste in such a way that it does not add to the environmental burden.
It’s Possible to Take Action Now to Reduce Your Exposure to PFAS
Instead of waiting for the EPA’s actions to improve the nation’s PFAS contamination, each homeowner can quickly improve the quality of their water by detecting the level of PFAS in community or well water and then filtering out PFAS if levels are too high. ETR Laboratories can test either public water supplies or well water to detect PFAS.
If this chemical is detected, either reverse osmosis or carbon filters can remove these and many other industrial chemicals from the water supply, resulting in a much safer, purer and healthier water supply for you and your family. These types of filters can correct the water supply for the whole house, or “point of use” filters can be installed under a kitchen sink or in the water line of a refrigerator.
Whatever filtration system you choose, it must be maintained exactly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to continue to be effective in removing PFAS from your community or well water.
To detect PFAS in your community or well water, contact ETR Laboratories at (800) 344-9977 for professional, fast and accurate water testing.