Ensuring water safety is a shared responsibility. By staying informed and proactive, you can help protect your health and the environment from the impacts of PFAS.
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products for their water and stain-resistant properties. Found in items like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams, PFAS have become widespread in the environment, including our water supplies.
Why are PFAS a Concern?
PFAS are bioaccumulates, meaning they resist decomposition. They have been called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. Exposure to high levels of PFAS can lead to adverse health effects, including:
Reproductive and developmental issues
Liver and kidney damage
Immune system effects
Increased risk of certain cancers
How Do PFAS Get into Water?
PFAS can enter water supplies through:
Industrial discharges: Factories using PFAS in their processes can release these chemicals into nearby water bodies.
Firefighting activities: The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams can contaminate groundwater and surface water.
Consumer products: Leaching from landfills and wastewater from homes can introduce PFAS into the water system.
Ensuring Your Water is Safe
Testing for PFAS: Regular testing of water sources for PFAS levels is crucial. Public water systems often provide water quality reports, which include information about PFAS.
Water Filtration Systems: Using home water filtration systems that are certified to remove PFAS, such as activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems, can significantly reduce PFAS levels in your drinking water.
Staying Informed: Keep updated with guidelines and recommendations from health and environmental authorities, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which provides standards and advisories on PFAS in drinking water. Community Action: People who are concerned about PFAS in their drinking water should first contact their drinking water utility to find out more about their drinking water, including what contaminants may be present, if the utility is monitoring for PFAS, what the levels are, and to see whether any actions are being taken.
For more information about PFAS and water safety, check out the EPA's PFAS Strategic Roadmap
Interactive map of PFAS testing in our water sources: https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/
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