Understand the “Forever Chemicals” and Learn How to Remove PFAS from Your Water

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of long-lasting, man-made chemicals that have been used in many consumer products and some manufacturing processes. Of the thousands of chemicals that make up PFAS, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) are two of the most commonly used in the United States, and both are now considered contaminants of concern by the US EPA.

Before the ban on the use of PFAS in the United States, these chemicals were used in a variety of household and industrial products, including non-stick cooking tools, stain guards, some paint, firefighting foam, and some paper and cardboard goods. Products imported into the United States may still contain PFAS.

The biggest challenge with PFAS is that they take a very long time to break down — that is why they are also called “Forever Chemicals.” They can be found in water, soil, air, household items, and even in the foods we eat. According to the CDC, prolonged exposure to PFOA and PFOS can have adverse health effects like growth and development challenges, reproduction difficulties, and liver damage.

In most cases, contaminated water is found where PFAS chemicals were manufactured or used to produce industrial or consumer products, and in some cases where firefighting foams were heavily used. If you think your home’s water may be contaminated, it is best to have it tested. If you have city water, contact your municipal water supplier and ask if your water is affected; if you have well water, you are solely responsible for your home’s water quality.

To remove PFAS from the water in your home, the best approach is to install an in-home water treatment system. There are three water treatment technologies that the EPA says are effective at reducing PFAS in drinking water — reverse osmosis, activated carbon filtration, and ion exchange. Water Doctor of Washington is proud to offer the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station®, which is third-party certified by the Water Quality Association to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for PFOS/PFOA removal, using reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration to produce contaminant-free water.