PFAS - The "Forever Chemical"

What is PFAS?

PFAS The acronym PFAS is short for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as the "Forever Chemical") and refers to a large group of more than 4,000 human-made chemicals. These chemicals have been used since the 1940’s in a range of products including:

Stain & Water-Resistant Fabrics
Stain & Water-Resistant Carpeting
Cleaning Products
Paints
Non-Stick Cookware
Food Packaging
Fire Fighting Foams
Personal Care Items (Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotions & Soaps)
Cosmetics

PFAS Exposure – Should I be Concerned?

The use of PFAS has led to it entering our environment through soil, surface water, groundwater, and seafood. Several states have started to measure the PFAS contamination levels and areas around Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania are reporting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). These reports are alarming as exposure to PFAS has been linked to many health concerns such as:

Increased Blood Pressure
Increased Cholesterol Levels
Decreased Immune Response to Viruses
Increased Risk of Cancers (Kidney, Liver, Pancreatic, Reproductive)
Increased Risk of Thyroid Disease & Cancer
Decreased Birth Weight in Infants

Can Water Treatment Reduce/Remove PFAS?

We can install a Water Filtration system that contains activated carbon, ion exchange resin systems, or reverse osmosis membranes which have been shown to be effective at removing PFAS from water. We offer a offers a range of customized solutions based on individual water source demands, to learn more about PFAS and your specific water contact us for a Water Test or consultation for all your water needs.

Protect Your Family – Reduce PFAS in Your Drinking Water

S & L Water Solutions will identify the most effective water treatment system for PFAS contaminations. The water treatment system will be installed by a licensed plumber who specializes in PFAS water treatment. Once the water treatment system has been installed, it is very important to keep it properly maintained. Water treatment units that are not properly maintained will lose their effectiveness over time.

Contact S & L Water today to schedule a Free In-Home Water Analysis and Consultation. We care about your family!

PFAS Frequently Asked Questions

What are PFAS?

PFAS, also known as the "Forever Chemical" are a group of chemicals made by humans including Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These synthetic chemicals have been around since the 1940’s. They are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are long chain fluorine and carbon bonded.

Where is PFAS found?

Stain & Water-Resistant Fabrics
Stain & Water-Resistant Carpeting
Cleaning Products
Paints
Non-Stick Cookware
Food Packaging
Fire Fighting Foams
Personal Care Items (Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotions & Soaps)
Cosmetics
Clothing & Footware

How can I be exposed to PFAS?

It’s estimated that, given the widespread use of PFAS and the ubiquitous presence of some of them in the environment, almost everyone on the planet has PFAS in their blood at some level. For most, the main sources of PFAS exposure are from drinking water and food, such as eating fish, eggs, or milk, or livestock that has fed on contaminated land. Other direct exposure can also come via cosmetics, sprays or dust from consumer products. You are also exposed to PFAS through some consumer products (food packaging, stain resistant carpeting and upholstery, water repellent clothing, etc.). The EPA has not identified all the ways that a person can be exposed to PFAS as they are still examining many sources.

Can PFAS be treated?

Yes! Our water filtration systems/drinking water systems are designed to be effective at removing PFAS through activated carbon ion exchange systems. Activated carbon is commonly used to absorb natural organic compounds, taste and odor compounds, and synthetic organic chemicals in drinking water treatment systems. Absorption is both the physical and chemical process of accumulating a substance, such as PFAS, at the interface between liquid and solid phases. High-pressure membranes, such as reverse osmosis, have been extremely effective at removing PFAS. Research shows that these types of membranes are typically more than 96 percent effective at removing a wide range of PFAS, including shorter chain PFAS.

How can PFAS affect my health?

Many scientific studies suggest that certain PFAS affect different systems in the body. More research is being done to identify specific PFAS and outcomes it has been shown that PFAS may:

Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity

What are the most common PFAS Compounds?

PFO - A Perfluorooctanoic acid. Used in the production of Teflon.
PFOS – Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. Key ingredient in Scotchgard and AFFF.
PFHxS - Perfluorohexane sulfonate. Used in stain resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging, and as a surfactant in industrial processes.
PFDA - Perfluorodecanoic acid. Used as wetting agent and flame retardant.
PFNA - Perfluorononanoic acid. Surfactant. Break down product.
PFBA - Perfluorobutyrate. Used in the manufacturing of photographic film. Breakdown product of other PFAS.
PFHxA - Perfluorohexanoic acid. Breakdown product of stain/grease proof coatings on food packaging and household products.
Gen X - Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO DA). Substitute for PFOA