The existence of Perfluorinated Chemicals and Perfluorooctanoic Acid in drinking water has increased at an alarming rate. Water contamination has turned into a critical issue that can’t be overlooked any more.
What are PFOS/PFOA’s?
The existence of Perfluorinated Chemicals and Perfluorooctanoic Acid in drinking water has increased in an alarming rate. The origin of contamination are various. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS) acid are part of a group of chemicals commonly referred to as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) or perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). PFOA and PFOS are man-made chemicals that up until 2000 had been widely used in the manufacturing of many industrial and consumer products such as paper and cardboard food packaging, insecticides, electronics, stain repellents, paints, plumbing tape, firefighting foam and non-stick cooking surfaces.
Prior to phasing PFOA and PFOS out of production, large quantities were released into the environment and have been found to have contaminated the drinking water supplies near current or former manufacturing locations. The chemical can linger in water for decades.
FUN FACT: All PFCs that exist around us or anywhere are man-made. Not a single PFC naturally evolved or grew from the environment.
Are There PFOS/PFOA’s in My Water?
This interactive map made available by the Environmental Working Group serves as a tool to see where PFOS and PFOA’s have been detected. You can click on your area to find out if your water utility service found any PFCs and PFOAs on your drinking water. (Keep in mind that more and more PFC’s are being found as testing is being performed on a much more frequent basis due to the increasing areas of detection.)
Potential Health Effects from PFOS and PFOA’s
PFOA and PFOS in drinking water are carcinogenic and are linked with increased risk for at least six major diseases:
- Diagnosed High Cholesterol
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Thyroid Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
PFOA and PFOS could also be dangerous to pregnant women. Some studies have linked the chemicals to fetal growth problems, including low birth weight, but the science is contested. In general, the effects of PFOA and PFOS are higher for the young, the unborn, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Like lead, bioaccumulation is a large concern for PFOA and PFOS. The chemicals can build up in the body over time, so even small, but persistent doses can be dangerous.
How to remove PFOS and PFOA’s from Your Water
Given the harm and potential danger coming from PFC and PFOS/PFOA’s, it is best to provide yourselves with a comprehensive water treatment system that can guarantee you peace of mind. PFOS and PFOA’s are assimilated through the skin and additionally through drinking water. A whole house activated carbon filtration system combined with a drinking water reverse osmosis system will provide you and your family with maximum protection.
If you have any questions about PFC’s in your water, or if you’d like a water treatment system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants. We are the number one Hague dealer in North and South Carolina, servicing towns like Cornelius, Huntersville and Matthews, NC
For 25 years, North Carolina Water Consultants have been working with homeowners, home builders and businesses throughout North and South Carolina to solve multiple water-related problems.Each install is completed by a NC Water employee as if it was our home – no subcontractors! With our 100% water quality guarantee, North Carolina Water Consultants will provide the best water available to you and your home or business! Did we mention, we’re the Carolina’s #1 Hague Quality Water Dealer?