The family of fluorinated compounds known as PFAS pose a risk to humans as they are associated with causing significant health conditions. How to remove PFAS drinking from your water and make it safe to drink? Read more >>
PFC and PFAS chemicals – the fluorinated compounds as a danger to humans and the environment
In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of the extent of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances (PFC, PFAS) in drinking water and efforts to remove these toxic fluorinated chemicals from tap water. Toxicologically, these substances pose significant concerns due to their vast number—around 4,700 different compounds—and their potential health effects on humans and environmental persistence. Experts suspect these chemicals of causing cancer, thyroid disorders, a weakened immune system, developmental disorders, low birth weight in babies, reduced sperm count, shrinking penis size, and other unknown health effects. Mothers and young children may be particularly vulnerable to these chemicals, impacting reproductive and developmental health. One thing is sure: no one wants them in their body.
PFC and PFAS – An invisible threat for humanity and our environment
PFASs have accumulated in the environment and within human organisms worldwide for decades. Researchers have detected measurable concentrations of these substances in the blood serum of entire urban populations in the US, as well as in fish in the ocean and birds in the air. Meanwhile, our understanding of the potential health consequences of this exposure is expanding. Some PFAS are labelled as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment or the human body. These chemical alkyl compounds are virtually indestructible, making them an increasingly severe problem for people and the environment worldwide, including New Zealand.
The success story of a creeping poison – PFAS in our everyday life
The story of PFASs began about 80 years ago in DuPont and 3M factories, where experts discovered perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These substances were soon hailed as miracle solutions in Teflon and waterproofing sprays. PFOA and PFOS are the two most well-known and extensively studied representatives of the PFASs, of which more than 4,730 are known today. Their unique chemical and physical properties, such as stain and water repellency and resistance to temperature and chemicals, are utilized in various consumer goods and industrial applications, including firefighting foams. Plastic containers, food packaging, waterproof sportswear, fragrances in cleaning products, soaps, shampoos, electronics, and even carpeting contain this chemical. These products enter the environment and contaminate New Zealand’s drinking water.
Effective water filter to remove PFAS from NZ drinking water
Drinking water is one of the most common sources of exposure to PFAS contamination. These chemicals could also contaminate the drinking water found in New Zealand. Currently, there is no mandatory testing for these chemicals in town water. If you know or suspect these chemicals are in your tap water, the best way to protect yourself is by installing an in-home water filter. But which kind?
Based on health agencies, testing labs, scientific researchers, and water filter companies, a reverse osmosis filter is the most effective choice for in-home treatment of PFAS-tainted tap water, followed by a slightly lower-cost option, an activated carbon filter.
Reverse osmosis water filter versus activated-carbon filters
A 2020 US Duke and North Carolina State University study found that any filter is better than none. However, many standard household filters only partially remove harmful PFAS substances from drinking water. Some filters can even make the situation worse if they are not properly maintained.
“We tested 76 point-of-use filters and 13 point-of-entry or whole-house systems and found their effectiveness varied widely,” said Heather Stapleton, the Dan and Bunny Gabel Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment. “All of the under-sink reverse osmosis and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal of the PFAS chemicals we were testing for,” Stapleton said. “In contrast, the effectiveness of activated-carbon filters used in many pitcher, countertop, refrigerator and faucet-mounted styles was inconsistent and unpredictable. The whole-house systems were also widely variable and in some cases increased PFAS levels in the water.”
To read the full report click here.
Key findings comparing reverse osmosis filters and activated carbon filters for efficient removal of harmful PFAS contaminants
On average, activated carbon filters removed 73% of PFAS contaminants, but results varied greatly. In some cases, the filter entirely removes the chemicals. In other cases, the filters could not reduce the PFAS concentrations at all. Ultimately, there was no clear trend between removal efficiency and filter brand, age, or source water chemical levels.
Reverse osmosis and two-stage filters reduced PFAS levels, including GenX, by 94% or more in water. However, the small number of two-stage filters tested necessitates further testing to determine why they performed well.
What does this mean in NZ for Kiwis?
In NZ, we need more research on testing for PFEAs fluorinated chemicals in drinking water in our local water supplies. Acceptable levels need to be found, discussed, and established so that they can be implemented nationwide. It is crucial that homeowners feel secure in their choices and use only a trusted, tested filtration product. This could be either a reputable under-bench filter, a whole-house filter, or, ideally, both.
Current research from Duke University and North Carolina State University scientists has shown that reverse osmosis filtration technology is the way to go in the fight against PFAS contamination in drinking water.
Aqua Works – a competent partner in making your water PFAS free and safe to drink
Do you want more information on how to remove PFAS from drinking water? Or would you like to book an appointment to install an under bench reverse osmosis filtration system? Please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 278 288 for a free quote. We are passionate about water and supporting you and your family to enjoy safe, potable water from every tap of your home.
Steve Reynolds
References
Auckland Council (n.d.). ‘Investigation into PFAS compounds in Auckland’, Auckland Council. Available at: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/air-quality-pollution-contamination/Pages/pfas-investigation-auckland.aspx (Accessed: 20 April 202).
Brockovich, E. (2021). ‘Plummeting sperm counts, shrinking penises: toxic chemicals threaten humanity’, The Guardian, 18 March. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/mar/18/toxic-chemicals-health-humanity-erin-brokovich (Accessed: 20 April 202).
EWG Science Team (2018). ‘Removing Toxic Fluorinated Chemicals From Your Home’s Tap Water’, EWG, September 5. Available at: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/removing-toxic-fluorinated-chemicals-your-homes-tap-water (Accessed: 20 April 202).
Herkert, N. J., Merrill, J., Peters, C., Bollinger, D., Zhang, S., Knappe, D. R.U., Hoffman, K., Ferguson, P. L. and Stapleton, H. M. (2020). ‘Assessing the Effectiveness of Point-of-Use Residential Drinking Water Filters for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)’, Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 5 Februar. Available at: https://nicholas.duke.edu/news/not-all-home-drinking-water-filters-completely-remove-toxic-pfas#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20by%20scientists,as%20PFAS%2C%20from%20drinking%20water (Accessed: 20 April 202).