Should I be worried about PFAS in water?

What are PFAS and are they something to worry about?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that contain carbon-fluorine bonds, known for their durability and properties like non-stick, water, and stain resistance. They have been used in manufacturing and consumer products since the 1950s in a wide variety of products, including food packaging, cookware, textiles, cosmetics, and firefighting foam. They are sometimes called 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down easily in the environment.

Some have already been identified as hazardous and banned from use, but new ones are being developed all the time. There are currently 15,000 synthetic materials classed as PFAS.

How Are People Exposed to PFAS?

Human exposure to PFAS is widespread and varies by geography and occupation. PFAS are used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries. Over time, PFAS may leak into the soil, water, and air.

People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. Because they break down slowly, if at all, people and animals are repeatedly exposed to them, and blood levels of some PFAS can build up over time.

One report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans.

Why are they a concern?

PFAS are increasingly detected as environmental pollutants, and some are linked to negative effects on human health, including potential risks like cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive harm. But, like microplastics, there is still little data on the actual effects on the human body – just an awareness of their existence and a concern that build-up within the body over a lifetime could pose a threat. There is a huge amount of research taking place into PFAS, including:

• How, where, and the extent to which people are exposed to PFAS.
• How PFAS can affect organs and systems in the body.
• How and where PFAS move through the environment, such as through water, air, and dust.
• Determining ways to identify, detect, and measure PFAS in the environment.
• Development of technologies and devices to get rid of or destroy PFAS.
• Determining effective ways to tell people about PFAS risk and what they can do to prevent or reduce their exposure.

How can I avoid PFAS?

Again, like microplastics, there is little individuals can do to reduce their exposure to PFAS. Until there are proven links to health issues (rather than ‘concerns’), the world’s governing bodies are unlikely to take action to reduce PFAS production or enforce purification standards.

Graphene Technology

With the advent of graphene filter technology, it will soon be possible to reduce the PFAS in drinking water supplies, limiting at least one source of exposure. Water companies are investigating ways of including graphene in their filter systems and, after seven years of research and development, class-leading portable water purifier manufacturer, Icon LifeSaver, is poised to make graphene filters available to the general public in their water purifiers.

We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available and will continue to explore ways of ensuring the water you drink is as pure as possible. To find out more about LifeSaver water purifiers, and what they can do to keep you and your family safe, get in touch today.