What are PFAS, PFOA and PFOS?
The “forever chemicals” Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoralkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of long-lasting, man-made chemicals that have been used in many consumer products and some manufacturing processes. Of the thousands of chemicals that make up PFAS, PFOS and PFOA are two of the most commonly used in the United States. Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid or PFOS are PFAS that were widely used in the manufacturing of many consumer products and industrial goods. Both PFOA and PFOS are now considered contaminants of concern by the US EPA. In fact, on June 15, 2022 the EPA updated their health advisory for PFOA and PFOS in water stating that negative health effects may occur when PFOS and PFOA are detected in water at concentration levels near zero.
Understanding and Reducing PFAS
So your municipality has issued a warning for PFAS. What next? What are they, and should you be concerned? PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been around since the 1950s. They are a group of man-made chemicals, including PFOS and PFOA, often left behind from industrial and consumer products like cleaning products and firefighting foam. Through runoff, these contaminants work their way into the groundwater, entering both municipal and private well water systems.
Unfortunately, once they enter the water system, these contaminants do not disappear, earning them the name of “forever chemicals.” Municipalities will issue an advisory for local residents when PFAS levels surpass the acceptable amount in municipal waterways. This level is often 100 parts or less to a trillion — equivalent to a single drop in an Olympic-sized swimming pool! However, treating this problem on a municipal level is not a possibility. It’s up to individual homeowners to reduce levels of PFAS at home.
If you live in an area that has issued an advisory, your drinking water is at risk whether you have municipal or private well water. Since municipal water and well water are drawn from the same ground, it’s likely PFAS are present in your well water, too. Luckily, the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station® is certified to reduce PFAS in your drinking water — no matter where your water comes from. With 99% reduction of PFAS, it is one of the only certified options available with the highest reduction on the market. Make sure your home stays protected from these forever chemicals with a K5 System from Water Doctors.
Potential Long-Term Risks of PFAS
Though no one is quite sure of the long-term effects of PFAS, there is one certainty: these forever chemicals don’t go away. As this issue will continue to affect more areas of Southeastern Wisconsin over time, it’s important to address the health concerns currently linked to PFAS, PFOS, and PFOA.
According to the EPA, health effects may include the following:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Reduced antibody levels
- Infertility and reproductive issues
- Increased risk of thyroid disease and some cancers
- And additional heath risks
With a K5 Drinking Water Station from Water Doctors, you can protect your family’s drinking water and enjoy peace of mind.