PFAS in Drinking Water: What Forever Chemicals Are and How to Protect Your Health?
- laura5841
- Nov 6
- 2 min read
PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as “forever chemicals” are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that are used in everyday consumer products including:
non-stick cookware
water repellent clothing
stain resistant carpets, rugs and upholstery
firefighting foam
cosmetics and personal care products
food packaging
dental floss
The problem with PFAS is that they don’t break down in the environment, hence why they’re called FOREVER CHEMICALS. Over time, PFAS leak into soil, drinking water and the ecosystem and can have a negative impact on your health.
How Do PFAS Affect Your Health?
Humans are exposed to PFAS through many sources and over time this exposure causes a build up in the blood, liver, and other tissues. Because the body doesn’t easily eliminate them it becomes problematic.
Recent health studies have linked PFAS exposure to:
Increased cholesterol levels
Changes in liver enzymes
Decreased immune response
Increased risk of certain cancers (especially kidney and testicular)
Thyroid hormone disruption
Reproductive and developmental effects
Sensitive Populations
Pregnant people, infants, and children are more vulnerable because PFAS can affect growth and development.
PFAS can cross the placenta and appear in breast milk
How PFAS Enter Drinking Water
How Do PFAS Enter Drinking Water
PFAS can leach into water from:
Industrial discharges from manufacturing
Firefighting foam use at airports or military bases
Landfills and wastewater treatment plants
Leaching from consumer products into groundwater or surface water
PFAS Regulations in Canada and the USA
Health Canada is working to set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL’s) for PFAS in drinking water but has yet to officially set the limits. The current proposed limit is 30 ng/L (nanograms per litre) for total PFAS.
Compared to the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) to 4 ng/l in drinking water. Public water systems in the USA have until 2029 to implement solutions if levels exceed these MCLs.
How to Remove PFAS From Drinking Water
The most effective way to remove 98% of PFAS compounds from your drinking water is by reverse osmosis or distillation. Installing an in home reverse osmosis system or purchasing high quality reverse osmosis water is the best way to reduce your exposure to these chemicals.
Reducing PFAS Exposure In Your Environment
Use Teflon free pots and pans like stainless steel, ceramic coated or cast iron
Purchase natural personal care products and cosmetics- ingredients to avoid “PTFE,” “perfluoro,” “polyfluoro,” or “fluoro.” Also avoid anything labeled waterproof, wear-proof
Choose PFAS free clothing when purchasing water repellant products
Use microfiber cloths and mild detergents instead of chemical sprays
Choose untreated or natural-fiber carpets, rugs, or furniture
Use purified water - reverse osmosis- for drinking, cooking, coffee, tea and other drinks
If you have any questions regareding your water quality, please reach out and our experienced water specialists will be happy to assist you!
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