PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” are a big deal, and the rules around them are always changing. What are they, and what do you really need to know? Let’s break it down.

You’ll find PFAS in tons of everyday products, in soil, and even in drinking water. They don’t break down easily in the environment, which is why people are so concerned. More and more, consumers and regulators are pushing industries and utilities to cut back on PFAS in tap water. There’s also a big push to reduce their use in things like cosmetics, food packaging, and personal care items.

This whole situation comes with a lot of legal questions and uncertainty. That’s probably why many in the drinking water world aren’t sure what it means for them. We’re here to clear that up. Here’s what you need to know about the new PFAS water rules.

How Do People Usually Get Exposed to PFAS?

Since the 1940s, PFAS chemicals have shown up in common household products, some you’d recognize like Scotchgard and Teflon. They’re even in dental floss, shampoo, rain gear, and mascara. You’ll also find PFAS in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), which firefighters often use to put out petroleum fires.

PFAS can get into your body through food and drinks. Think microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes – they often contain PFAS. Even water we drink and use for farming can have it.

How Do PFAS Get Into Drinking Water?

When PFAS are released into the environment, they can soak into the soil. From there, they move into groundwater or wash into lakes and rivers. If groundwater with PFAS isn’t treated properly, it can cause health problems for anyone who drinks it.

PFAS also turn up in sewage sludge, or biosolids, which farmers sometimes use as fertilizer on fields. These PFAS can easily seep into groundwater. And, yes, PFAS are in wastewater too. If that’s not treated right, it just creates more problems.

What Are the Risks of PFAS Exposure for Humans?

Right now, we know of over 5,000 different PFAS chemicals. Each one affects the environment and people differently, depending on its unique makeup.

While we’ve studied some PFAS, like perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), quite a bit, there are still countless others we haven’t even identified or tested yet.

Scientists are finding that PFAS exposure is linked to several negative health effects. These include higher cholesterol, liver issues, immune system problems, and even cancer. Newer studies suggest there’s no safe level of PFAS for humans. This means even tiny amounts of contamination can lead to serious health concerns.

The EPA and PFAS

The U.S. EPA has shared a PFAS roadmap and created new drinking water guidelines. Now, water utilities need to team up with testing companies. This is good news for consumers, especially since even low PFAS levels can cause health problems.

How We Can Get Rid of PFAS

When regulators like the EPA work together with manufacturers who voluntarily take action, we can start reducing PFAS levels.

Consumers also need to speak up more and tell manufacturers they want PFAS out of their products.

It’ll take decades to completely get rid of PFAS, but we need to start acting now to make sure the problem improves, not gets worse!

Count on AMPAC USA for Pure, PFAS-Free Drinking Water

If you want to remove PFAS from your water, one of the easiest ways is to trust AMPAC USA products. We’re a top provider of many water treatment solutions that give you clean, contamination-free water every single day. We offer the best reverse osmosis systems for homes, businesses, and industrial needs. They make sure your water is tasteless, colorless, and odorless.

AMPAC USA water systems are fully capable of turning any water into a product that meets your exact needs. Our products work perfectly even in tough environments, helping exploratory labs in the Arctic Circle, oil rigs in deserts, urban communities, and even war zones. AMPAC USA water treatment systems are proven solutions for water problems worldwide.

AMPAC USA builds advanced water purification systems to solve the toughest challenges in water purification, treatment, supply, and Seawater Desalination, even in the harshest global environments. Our water treatment systems use the best Reverse Osmosis, Seawater Desalination, and water technologies that meet international standards for industrial, on-shore, and offshore uses.

AMPAC USA designs and builds some of the world’s most reliable wastewater treatment systems, even for the most challenging conditions. We also focus on international quality standards and excellent after-sales service. Our engineers are ready to support your water treatment needs anywhere in the world. To learn more, call AMPAC USA at 909-548-4900 or visit us here.