You’ve heard the warnings about PFAS “forever chemicals” lurking in our water, and you’re right to be concerned — experts estimate that at least 45% of U.S. tap water contains one or more types of PFAS.
But with so much information (and misinformation!) out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Let’s cut through the confusion and answer some common questions about removing PFAS from drinking water so you can make informed choices for your health.
Why is it Important to Remove PFAS from Drinking Water?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been linked to a wide range of health problems. Here’s what makes PFAS so concerning:
- They’re persistent: PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily. This means they can accumulate in our bodies and the environment over time.
- They’re widespread: PFAS are found in many everyday products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, and they can easily leach into our water supplies.
- They’re linked to health issues: Studies have shown that PFAS exposure can increase the risk of liver damage, kidney disease, immune deficiency, thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, and certain cancers.
Learn more about the risks of PFAS exposure.
Can Boiling Water Remove PFAS?
While boiling can effectively remove certain bacteria and viruses from water, it’s unfortunately not a viable method for removing PFAS from drinking water. In fact, it can actually worsen the problem.
Why? Because PFAS are incredibly stable compounds. These “forever chemicals” are designed to resist heat and breakdown. When you boil water, the water molecules evaporate, reducing the volume of water while the PFAS remains. This process increases the concentration of PFAS in the remaining water, making it even more contaminated.
Does Distilled Water Have PFAS?
No, distilled water generally does not have PFAS. While boiling water on your stovetop may not be an effective way to remove PFAS (and can actually concentrate them!), distillation can effectively separate these harmful chemicals from your drinking water.
That’s because distillation acts like a selective filter — you boil water, then collect the condensed steam. Since PFAS have much higher boiling points than water, they don’t evaporate with the steam.
Do Brita Filters Remove PFAS?
No, most common household water filters (like those found in pitcher filters or refrigerator dispensers) do not remove PFAS. These filters often utilize basic activated carbon, which is great for larger contaminants like sediment, chlorine, and some heavy metals, but not PFAS.
Because PFAS molecules are extremely small, they require specialized filtration technologies. Point-of-use filters, which attach to a single faucet or are built into water pitchers, can be a highly effective and affordable way for removing PFAS from drinking water.
Here’s a closer look at some common PFAS filtration technologies:
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters: These filters use activated carbon to adsorb PFAS from the water. Look for filters with a high capacity for PFAS removal and consider those that combine GAC with other filtration media for enhanced performance.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems: RO systems use pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS. While generally more expensive than GAC filters, they offer comprehensive purification.
When choosing a filter, look for certifications from independent organizations like NSF International. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 addresses health effects, while NSF/ANSI Standard 401 certifies the reduction of emerging contaminants, including some PFAS.
Does Bottled Water Contain PFAS?
Bottled water is not necessarily always PFAS-free. While the FDA does regulate bottled water, the standards for PFAS contamination are not as stringent as those for public water systems. This means that some bottled water may contain levels of PFAS that exceed what you might find in treated tap water.
To make informed choices about your bottled water, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for certifications: Look for labels indicating that the water has been tested and certified for PFAS removal.
- Contact the bottler: If you’re unsure about a specific brand’s PFAS levels, reach out to the company directly and ask about their purification processes and testing results.
- Consider the source: Find out where the bottled water is sourced from. Spring water or water drawn from protected aquifers may have a lower risk of PFAS contamination compared to sources that use municipal water supplies.
Have You Suffered from PFAS Exposure?
Learning about the widespread presence of PFAS and its health risks can be alarming — after all, it’s not just about clean water; it’s about your health, your family’s well-being, and the sense of safety in your own home.
If you suspect you or a loved one may have experienced health problems due to PFAS exposure, you’re not alone. PFAS contamination has impacted communities across the country, leaving many individuals and families facing serious health challenges.
The good news is that you have legal options. Currently, there are class action lawsuits underway against manufacturers of PFAS, like 3M and DuPont, for their role in this widespread contamination. These companies have known about the dangers of PFAS for decades, yet they continue to produce and sell products containing these harmful chemicals.
At Slater & Zurz, we believe those responsible should be held accountable. If you have concerns about PFAS contamination or believe you’ve suffered health issues as a result, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options when it comes to seeking compensation — whether for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, or other damages.
Call us at 330-762-0700 for a free consultation today.
