Can Forever Chemicals be Filtered out of Water?

Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have multiple uses because they repel water and oil while also resisting damage from chemicals and high temperatures. As a result, they’re used in lots of products including non-stick pans, coats to make them waterproof, food wrapping and boxes for grease-proofing and firefighting foam. The popularity of these chemicals and the fact they’ve been in use since the 1940s means that they’re now widely present in drinking water. The problem is they’re linked with various health issues such as cancer, impaired immune systems, and difficulties in reproduction. They also take an extremely long time to break down, hence their common name of forever chemicals, and so the problem will be with us for a long time unless something is done.

How to Remove Forever Chemicals from Water

There have been moves to ban or limit the use of PFAS, although this will not get rid of the chemicals we already have in the land and water. Consequently, studies and research projects have been conducted to find a solution. One method has been to add oxidizing substances to contaminated water and then heat it under extreme pressure, so it becomes neither gas nor liquid. This has been deemed a success because it does cause the PFAS to break down and be destroyed. However, it is a very costly and complex process; therefore, despite working under research conditions, it may not be practical for everyday use. Dealing with super-heated water is not something for the typical householder, so a more feasible solution is needed. Research is underway to develop systems that municipal water companies can use to treat their water, but introduction won’t happen anytime soon, and it won’t help those relying on private water sources such as wells. Therefore, given that over 95% of the population may have been exposed to PFAS, it’s in the interest of householders to take prompt action for themselves. Water filters that are developed to remove various pollutants can be effective at reducing the level of PFAS. Tests have shown that granular activated carbon filters, which are commonly used in water pitchers and refrigerators, can remove some PFAS. Far more effective are reverse osmosis systems, particularly Kinectico reverse-osmosis water systems, that push the water through specialized membranes; these remove a wide variety of contaminants including PFAS.

The Solution for Every Pollutant

It’s estimated that around 200 million Americans have drinking water contaminated by PFAS. To find out if you’re one of them, we can conduct a free water test that will determine exactly what your water contains. Once we’ve done that, we can recommend and install a solution. The importance of removing contaminants from your water can’t be over-stressed because they are a serious threat to your health. So you need to install an effective system and then keep it working at peak efficiency. That means changing your filters at prescribed intervals because those that become saturated won’t be able to remove contaminants properly and effectively. We can help you get the reverse-osmosis system you need and can keep it in good working order as we are the only certified RO systems provider that can remove up to 99% of contaminants. Get in touch without delay because the cumulative effect of PFAS means the situation is getting worse every day.