How to remove PFAS in your water with water filtration

Written by

Puretec

18 July 2024

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8 min read

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Also known as ‘forever chemicals’, PFAS is the collective term for thousands of PFOA and PFOS man-made chemicals, which are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. PFAS are commonly used in non-stick cooking items, water-resistant clothing and firefighting foams, and have been bioaccumulating in the environment since the 1940s. Although limited studies have been conducted on their effects on humans, the World Health Organisation has recently classified them as carcinogenic to humans.

Also known as 'forever chemicals', PFAS is the collective term for thousands of PFOA and PFOS man-made chemicals, which are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body. PFAS are commonly used in non-stick cooking items, water-resistant clothing and firefighting foams, and have been bioaccumulating in the environment since the 1940s. Although limited studies have been conducted on their effects on humans, the World Health Organisation has recently classified them as carcinogenic to humans.

Some types of PFAS have been linked to cancer, liver damage, thyroid and insulin problems, negative changes to the immune system, birth defects, delayed development in children, and other health issues. The latest research (April 2024) is now implying that PFAS chemicals "raise mortality from cardiovascular disease (in particular, heart diseases and ischemic heart disease) and malignant neoplastic diseases, including kidney cancer and testicular cancer."

In April 2024, the US EPA announced new guideline levels for 4 PFAS chemicals. Comparison with the 2017 Australian Guidelines indicate that "safe levels" are 140 times higher than the new US guidelines (and 1,250 times lower than the Australian 2016 guidelines)

Dr. Nicholas Chartres, a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney, noted that the U.S. standards for PFAS are "many magnitudes lower than the current level that we have in Australia." While he acknowledged that water filters can help remove PFAS levels, he also mentioned the potential health risks associated with using bottled water as an alternative.

Dr. Lloyd-Smith also noted that PFAS exposure isn't limited to drinking water; it can also come from food, personal care products, and industrial goods like paints and pesticides. To mitigate risks, Australians are advised to use water filters where possible.

Early studies have suggested that PFOA is dermally absorbed (absorbed through the skin) and that under certain conditions, the skin may be a significant route of exposure (Franko et al., 2012). Unfortunately, most studies have ignored dermal PFOA exposure in their investigations, due to the assumption that it is not well absorbed by the skin.

Filters with activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes have proven effective in removing PFAS from water supplies. Regular replacement of the carbon filter is also critical in ensuring maximum effectiveness of the cartridge, and avoiding the risk of exposure.

There are two primary types of home water treatment systems that remove PFAS:

1. Point-of-Use (POU) Systems:These treat water at a specific location, like an undersink filter, or reverse osmosis unit.

2. Point-of-Entry (POE) Systems:These are installed where water enters the home, treating all the water used for drinking, bathing, and other household activities. Puretec offers a range of solutions that can be used to remove the levels of PFAS present, below is a set of recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PFAS likely to be affecting my household?

Reports indicate that PFAS have been detected in the drinking water of up to 1.8 million Australians since 2010, including in areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and regional centres across Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. The Australian PFAS Chemicals Map is a detailed resource, providing information relating to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) substances.

Will boiling my water remove PFAS?

Boiling water is not considered to be an effective method of removing PFAS.

How important is it to regularly change filters?

Regardless of the system chosen, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines to ensure the filters remain effective. Maintenance can include washing cartridges, changing filters, disinfecting the unit, backwashing, or cleaning out mineral build-up (scale). Water treatment units that are not properly maintained will lose their effectiveness over time.

What have the Australian Government said?

Advice from the Australian Government PFAS Taskforce concluded "While we know these chemicals can persist in humans, animals, and the environment, there is currently limited understanding of the human health effects of long-term PFAS exposure. Therefore, as a precaution, governments in Australia recommend that exposure be reduced wherever possible while research into any potential health effects continues".

How do PFAS move through the environment?

Dr. Jessica Ray, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Washington advises "Unfortunately, PFAS like to stick to solid surfaces like soils. They can dissolve in water and enter the Earth's atmosphere. And because PFAS can permeate air, water and soil, humans and animals can be exposed to them in a multitude of ways. And unfortunately, researchers have detected PFAS in many, many different drinking water sources worldwide. Not just surface water and groundwater, but bottled water as well.

How can we avoid personal exposure to PFAS?

"Finding ways to remove PFAS loads to the environment and to drinking water will be important given the Environmental Protection Agency ruling in April 2024 to regulate several PFAS in drinking water. If you are filtering your water at home using a filtration cartridge, then that can help to remove a wide variety of contaminants. These contaminants can include heavy metals or other dissolved contaminants in water" states Dr. Ray.

References:

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.