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PFA's Forever chemicals: How to remove them from your Drinking Water

What are PFAs?

PFAs, (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are a category of synthetic chemicals known for their ability to repel water and grease.

They compounds are commonly used in a variety of applications, including non-stick pans, food packaging, stain-resistant textiles, and firefighting foams.

Often dubbed "forever chemicals," PFAs are resistant to environmental degradation, leading to their accumulation in both ecosystems and human bodies over time.

Health Implications of PFAs

Research has shown that prolonged exposure to elevated levels of PFAs may lead to several serious health concerns, such as:

  • Adverse effects on foetal development during pregnancy

  • Disruption of immune system function

  • Increased likelihood of certain cancers (notably kidney and testicular cancers)
  • Disruption of thyroid hormones

How to remove PFAs Removal from your Drinking Water

1. Reverse Osmosis  TOP SOLUTION

RO technology uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities, including PFAs, from water. It is among the most effective methods for purifying drinking water.

Tip: Consider a point-of-use RO system for your kitchen to purify all your drinking and cooking water. You can further combine it with a whole of house filter to protect your bathing water.

Read more about our Undersink kitchen Reverse Osmosis filter here

2. Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon filters capture PFAs through a process called adsorption, particularly effective for larger-chain versions of these compounds (there are many types of PFAs). They can be installed at specific points of use, like kitchen sinks, or as part of whole-house filtration systems.

Tip: Choose filters that are specifically certified for PFAs reduction, as not all activated carbon filters will effectively remove these contaminants.

3. Ion Exchange Resins

Ion exchange systems can treat water by swapping out PFAs with other ions in the resin. This technique is particularly useful for shorter-chain PFAs.

Tip: Regular maintenance for regeneration of the resin is crucial, as this can incur additional costs.

4. Distillation

This method involves boiling water and then capturing the steam to condense it back into liquid form. Distillation is effective for eliminating many contaminants, including PFAs.

Tip: Although highly effective, this approach may be less practical for daily use due to slower operation and higher (costlier) energy demands.

Final Thoughts

Given the durability of PFAs in the environment, efficiently eliminating them from potable water often requires specialized treatment systems.

Conduct thorough research to identify a dependable removal method tailored to your specific needs, and maintain regular testing and monitoring of your water quality for the best results.


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