What You Need To Know About PFAS "Forever Chemicals"

What are PFAS "Forever Chemicals"?  

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a category of widely used compounds, particularly prevalent in contaminating drinking water sources. PFAS can take hundreds of years to degrade in the environment which is why they are often referred to as ‘forever chemicals.’  According to the National Institute of Health (1), over 15,000 different PFAS variations (2) have been used in some type of manufacturing since the 1950’s. PFAS enter drinking water when they are disposed of in groundwater, surface water, or manufacturing retention ponds.

What Happens If I’m Exposed to PFAS?  

PFAS exposure has been found to cause a plethora of negative health effects including reproductive harm in both men and women, increased incidence of miscarriage, low birth weight, immunotoxicity, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and several types of cancer. In addition, health problems attributed to PFAS exposure continue to be discovered.  

Where is PFAS Found?  

PFAS is turning up everywhere we look for it. It has been found in the water systems of nearly 90 million Americans (3). Bear in mind that only 1/3 of water systems have so far been tested so that number is expected to rise. In addition to industrial contamination, PFAS have also been found in ocean sea spray (4), in rainwater, and in the soil.  

But...Aren't PFAS Regulated?  

On April 10, 2024, the US EPA has announced drinking water standards (5) to limit exposure to 6 types of PFAS chemicals. However, implementation of these regulations will take place over time. Water companies have 3 years to begin drinking water monitoring processes, and they have until 2029 to implement PFAS removal procedures that take the PFAS levels down to compliance levels. 

What Can I Do About PFAS In My Water?  

PFAS are significantly harder to remove than most regulated contaminants. Unfortunately, municipal water companies won’t be required to reduce PFAS until 2029, meaning relief is still years away. To ensure your drinking water is safe from PFAS, your best option is to use a filter specifically designed to remove these chemicals. While we discourage the use of bottled water for a multitude of reasons, it can be used as a temporary solution, particularly in emergency situations, but should not be relied upon long-term.
 
For filtering PFAS, be aware that not all filters are created equal and not all filters are effective against PFAS. Specifically, you want a filter that’s effective against a variety of PFAS types--not just long chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, but short chain PFAS varieties as well. Hydroviv filters were included in a study by Duke and NC State Universities. The scientists tested a variety of different household water filters and their ability to remove PFAS, and Hydroviv drinking water filters were shown to effectively both filter long and short chain PFAS down to levels below the detection limit! Check out the summary of the PFAS filter report here.

To ensure the water you're drinking or cooking with is the best it can be, explore Hydroviv's drinking water systems. Scientifically engineered to provide cleaner, safer water customized to your home's unique water quality. Protect your water today!

Footnotes

1. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): NIEHS, 2019
2. Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Health and Education: NIEHS, 2024
3. New EPA data confirm widespread 'forever chemicals' in drinking water. EWG, 2024
4. Ocean spray emits more PFAS than industrial polluters, study finds, The Guardian, 4/19/24
5. Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. EPA, Updated July 12, 2024

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