Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as PFASs) are important, and so are the changing PFAS rules. What are they, and what do you need to know about them? Read on to know.
PFASs are found in several consumer products, soils, and drinking water. Also famous as “forever chemicals,” their environmental degradation is negligible. With time, the concerns regarding PFAs have grown considerably. Hence, consumers and regulators call on industry and utilities to reduce or limit PFAS in tap water. There is also a demand to reduce PFAs use in cosmetics, food packaging, and personal care products.
There are many legal challenges and uncertainty in this regard. That’s probably why several members of the drinking water community are unclear about what it means for the industry. It’s time to clear that up now. Here’s more on understanding the new PFAS rules for water.
How are People Commonly Exposed to PFAS?
Since the 1940s, PFAS chemicals have been used in commonly used household products with brand names like Scotchgard and Teflon. They are even in dental floss, shampoo, rain gear, mascara, etc. PFAS are also in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) that are often used to extinguish petroleum-based fires.
PFAS can enter the body via food and beverages. Everything from microwave popcorn bags to pizza boxes has PFAS. Even water used for human consumption and agriculture purposes has it.
How Do PFAS Enter the Drinking Water?
PFAS released into the environment can seep into the soil. Then, they move into groundwater or runoff into lakes and rivers. If the groundwater with PFAS is not treated correctly, it can lead to health issues for individuals who consume it.
PFASs are also found in sewage sludge or biosolids used as fertilizer and are usually spread over agricultural fields. PFASs in biosolids can easily leech into groundwater. PFAS are also in wastewater. If that’s not treated properly, it can lead to further issues.
What are the potential dangers of PFAS exposure to humans?
More than 5,000 PFAS chemicals are known to exist as of now. Their impact on the environment and humans is different depending on the specific molecular attributes of each compound.
Though some PFAS chemicals like perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been studied extensively, scores of the PFAS are yet to be formally identified and tested.
Scientists are discovering that PFAS exposure is linked to negative health outcomes like higher cholesterol levels, liver problems, immune system issues, and cancer, among others. Fresh epidemiological and toxicological studies indicate that there are no safe PFAS levels for humans. So, even tiny contamination can lead to considerable health issues.
EPA and PFAS
The U.S. EPA has announced a PFAS roadmap and drafted drinking water guidelines. Now, water utilities must tie up with testing companies. It will benefit consumers as even low PFAS levels can lead to health issues.
Steps to Eliminate PFAS
Regulators like the EPA merged with actions voluntarily taken by manufacturers can help reduce PFAS levels.
Consumers will also need to be more proactive and voice their concerns to manufacturers so that they eliminate PFAS.
Though the complete elimination of PFAS will take decades, steps need to be taken now to ensure that the problem gets better, not worse!
Trust AMPAC USA for the Purest PFAS-Free Drinking Water
If you want to eliminate PFAS from water, one of the simplest solutions is to trust the products manufactured by AMPAC USA. We are also among the top providers of various water treatment solutions that help you get clean and contamination-free water every day. We provide the best reverse osmosis systems for residential, commercial, and industrial needs. They help ensure the water is tasteless, colorless, and odorless.
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