Exposure to PFAS through drinking water is a global human-health concern. We know this can sound scary, our goal is to inform and empower you. Read on for the facts and some tips on how to protect yourself from PFAS contamination.
Understanding PFAS:
Let’s start with the science. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industries since the 1940s. More than 12,000 types of PFAS exist. Their unique properties, such as resistance to heat, water, and oil, have made them popular in products like non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and firefighting foams. However, the same properties that make PFAS useful in products contributes to their persistence in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
The Widespread Contamination:
This is where things get a little scary. A study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey from 2016-2021, which tested kitchen sink water from 716 locations across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, found that 45% of faucets contained PFAS. This study highlights the significant presence of PFAS in our drinking water sources. One of the most concerning aspects of PFAS is their ability to accumulate in the environment and the human body over time.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS are found in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the nation and the globe. These chemicals are widely distributed due to their broad use and slow breakdown process. As a result, many PFAS are present in the local environment, various food products and in the blood of people and animals worldwide. In fact it has been found that 95% of Americans have “detectable levels” of PFAS in their blood.
What is being done?
The EPA is working to increase regulation of PFAS in drinking water. On March 14, 2023 their proposal for including six PFAS in the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation was announced. Currently, the proposal does not require any actions until it is finalized and implemented. The finalization is expected by the end of 2023. If fully implemented, EPA expects the rule to prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFOS-attributable illnesses.
What can you do?
Education is number one. By staying informed you can make conscious decisions about the water you and your family consume. As you learned above, EPA is working to regulate some PFAS, however this regulation will take time to implement and will only regulate six PFAS. EPA asks for public comment on their proposals. By staying up-to-date, your voice and concerns can be heard and included in future National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Wait…Is there any guarantee my water is PFAS free?
We’ll let you in on a secret: FreshPure was some of the first to find out about these forever chemicals when a store called informing us that their city water source was polluted by a nearby factory.
We immediately jumped to action! Through research and third party laboratory testing we were able to determine that FreshPure Waters has always filtered out PFAS. This is because the EPA has shown that activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis are effective to remove PFAS from drinking water. FreshPure has always used BOTH purifying technologies in each type of water we sell (Reverse Osmosis, Deionized, and Alkaline).
The Takeaway
Remember, while “forever chemicals” may evoke concern, your capacity to take action is far from limited. Empowered by knowledge, you can play a pivotal role in advocating for cleaner water sources and a more resilient planet. Stay informed, stay hydrated, and stay passionate about preserving the purity of our planet’s most precious resource.