Widely used chemicals known as PFAS have once again made headlines with the Environmental Protection Agency's announcement of the first-ever national regulation to limit the presence of these substances in drinking water.
PFAS, also referred to as "forever chemicals," are notorious for their ability to persist in the environment for thousands of years. These traces can now be detected in almost every corner — in the air, water, and soil.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been utilized since the 1940s for their oil and water-repellent properties, heat resistance, and versatility in a wide range of products, such as cookware, food packaging, paper plates, contact lenses, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, dental floss, clothing, and more. These traces can now be detected in almost every corner — in the air, water, and soil.
However, industry documents reveal that evidence of the toxicity of PFAS has been accumulating for decades.
"From nonstick cookware to cleaning and personal care products, these chemicals are ubiquitous," stated EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan during a press briefing. "There is no question that many of these chemicals can pose risks to both our health and the environment."
Understanding the Impact of PFAS on Health
Experts in the field of health warn that even small doses of PFAS chemicals can accumulate in the body over time, posing a significant concern. Studies have indicated that over 95% of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed through research that exposure to certain levels of PFAS can result in various health issues, such as:
- Reproductive problems, ranging from decreased fertility to developmental delays in children and low birth weight.
- Suppressed immune system.
- Increased cholesterol levels.
- Impacts on the cardiovascular system.
- Increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Dr. Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Sciences, highlighted the strongest data linking PFAS exposure to kidney cancer and testicular cancer, with emerging evidence for other forms of cancer as well.
The EPA has emphasized that there is no safe threshold for PFAS exposure without risking health impacts. As a result, public water utilities will be mandated to test for six different types of PFAS chemicals to mitigate exposure in drinking water. Water operators will have a timeline of three years to commence testing for PFAS contamination, followed by an additional two years to acquire and implement treatment technologies for contaminated water sources.
These new standards are projected to decrease PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million individuals, as stated by the EPA, thereby preventing numerous deaths and illnesses attributed to these harmful chemicals.
"Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long," Regan said in a statement.
Forever chemicals in water
A study published last year estimated that almost half of the United States' tap water has one or more PFAS.
The U.S. Geological Survey tested tap water from 716 locations, including 269 private wells and 447 public supply sites, in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. The data, which was collected from 2016 to 2021, found PFAS in water from at least 45% of the faucets, the study said.
Earlier this week, another study showed the U.S. Australia and Europe are hotspots for higher concentrations of PFAS in surface and groundwater.
In its latest water regulations, the EPA estimates that 6% to 10% of the 66,000 public water utility systems impacted by the standard may need to act to comply.
Critics argue the EPA's action doesn't go far enough because there are more than 15,000 different PFAS chemicals, and this standard only regulates six.
Can water filters remove PFAS?
There are several technologies available that can filter PFAS from your home water source.
"Multiple studies have proven the effectiveness of various filters in reducing PFAS levels in drinking water," states Dr. Sarah Thompson, a water quality expert at the University of California. "These filters include activated carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis."
According to information on the EPA's official website, high-pressure membranes like nanofiltration or reverse osmosis have shown significant success in eliminating PFAS contaminants.
To minimize PFAS exposure in drinking water, individuals can inquire with their water provider about the testing procedures for these chemicals or opt to have their water tested by a state-certified laboratory following EPA guidelines.
For those concerned about PFAS in everyday products, there are several ongoing lists available to identify companies that have banned PFAS from their goods.
