PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic, man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1950s. Often referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS do not break down, persisting in the environment and accumulating in human and animal bodies, as well as plants. One of the most recognized PFAS is Teflon, known for its use as a nonstick coating, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
These chemicals find their way into various products, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, firefighting foams, food packaging, and numerous industrial applications. The widespread use of PFAS raises concerns as they can enter the environment through manufacturing releases, firefighting runoff, and degradation of PFAS-containing products, leading to contamination in water, soil, air, and drinking water.
Research on PFAS, with a focus on well-studied compounds like PFOA and PFOS, reveals their persistence in the human body and potential health effects. These effects include reproductive and developmental issues, liver and kidney problems, elevated cholesterol levels, compromised immune systems, thyroid hormone disruption, cancer, and low infant birth weight. Animal studies also indicate a link between PFOA and PFOS exposure and tumor development.
PFAS are the main reason you should filter your water is because it’s contaminated with birth control, micro plastics, pharmaceutical drugs as well illegal drugs, polyfluoroalkyl substances aka PFAS. Besides Teflon, I would never use SCOTCH-GUARD or anything labeled Gore-Tex or water and stain-repellent as these are known PFAS. PFAS have been found in microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, parchment paper and more.
PUFAS are also found in floss (that’s what makes it glide so easily!!!) PUFAS are also found in period underwear, specifically the company KNIX. Most air fryers and mattresses also contain PFAS. Even your ‘bamboo’ flooring contains PFAS.
PFAS are also in our cosmetics, body washes, and lotions. Good news is that PFAS are often listed on product labels, so you should be wary of any ingredient with “fluoro”
PFAS are endocrine disrupting chemicals, meaning they interfere with our hormone systems. You’ve heard of the male frogs turning into women
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, it’s an umbrella term for a family of thousands of chemicals – about 12,000 at the last count – that are known for their indestructible and non-stick properties
Studies show there may be no safe level of exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the Environmental Protection Agency has not set a legal limit for the chemicals in tap water.
The EPA states: You can lower your exposure to PFAS in these ways:
If your drinking water is contaminated above levels specified by the EPA or your state government, use an alternate water source for drinking, preparing food, cooking, brushing teeth, and any other activity when you might swallow water. If you do not know if your water is contaminated, ask your local health department.
Avoid eating contaminated fish or game. Check with your local or state health and environmental quality departments for fish or hunting advisories in your area and follow the advisories.
As of October 2020, the states of California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Wisconsin had enforceable drinking water standards for between two and six types of PFAS…..
One of the best ways to reduce PFAS chemicals in drinking water is by using water filters with activated carbon. Activated carbon treatment helps to remove PFAS from water by adsorbing the contaminants. Adsorption is a physical and chemical process where a substance—like PFAS—sticks on a surface at the junction between the liquid and solid phases.
PFAS can increase your risk to diabetes, cognitive impairment, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver and thyroid problems, reproductive problems, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and birth defects, just to name a few.
So that cup of Joe from your favorite coffee shop doesn’t sound so appealing knowing they use municipal tap water, does it….??? Shop water/wine/spirits to find a water filter I recommend.