PFOA, PFOS, and PFAS

Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate–more commonly referred to as PFOA and PFOS, respectively–are fluorinated organic compounds that are part of larger group of compounds known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These man-made chemicals are infamous for being both water and lipid-resistant. With production taking off in the 1950’s, PFOA and PFOS were commonly used to coat products that were designed to be stain-resistant, waterproof, or non-stick (e.g. DuPont’s Teflon). Although convenient, these highly fluorinated chemicals are associated with some serious health problems. Their negative health effects are compounded by the fact that they persist in the environment for a very, very long time.

Unfortunately, during manufacturing processes, PFOS and PFOA were dumped into the soil, emitted into the air, and poured into the water surrounding factory sites–well into the 1970s. Contamination is estimated to exceed 7000 metric tons of these fluorochemicals. This means that most people have been exposed to PFOS and PFOA.

PFOA and PFOS in Drinking Water

In 2016, 1% of samples from public drinking water systems nationwide were found to be contaminated with PFOA.

In 2016, EPA issued an advisory for PFOS and PFOA in public water systems. It warned municipalities that the presence of levels above 70 parts per trillion (ppt) in drinking water supplies is not safe. If you are on town water, they are required to notify you if this advisory level is exceeded.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF PFAS

There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans. The most-studied PFAS chemicals are PFOA and PFOS. Studies indicate that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have caused tumors in animals. The most consistent findings are increased cholesterol levels among exposed populations, with more limited findings related to:

low infant birth weights
effects on the immune system
cancer (for PFOA)
thyroid hormone disruption (for PFOS)

REMOVAL OF PFAS

To remove PFAS at the “point-of-entry” (POE) into the home or building, a system containing Acid Washed Carbon sized sufficiently to provide a minimum “contact time” of between 5-7 minutes. This required contact time necessitates large twin tank (see image) systems so that the water can sit in the tank long enough for the carbon to work.

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Twin Tank Carbon System

For “point-of-use” (POU) drinking water, a reverse osmosis system can be installed to remove PFAS. This is often the most cost effective solution but only removes PFAS at a single tap/location in the home.

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Pentair 575