Article
Shielding Your Sip: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Family from PFAS in Tap Water
June 9, 2025
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," have become a significant concern for many households across the globe. These synthetic chemicals, widely used in various industrial and consumer products, pose a potential threat to our health due to their ability to persist in the environment and accumulate in our bodies. One of the most common pathways of exposure to PFAS is through contaminated drinking water. But fear not! This guide empowers you with the knowledge and actionable steps you can take to effectively protect yourself and your loved ones from PFAS in your tap water.
Understanding the Threat: What Are PFAS and Why Be Concerned?
PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in numerous products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. Their unique chemical structure makes them resistant to water, grease, and stains.
However, this same persistence, which makes them effective in consumer products, also makes them extremely difficult to break down in the environment and in human bodies. Research has linked PFAS exposure to several health issues, including:
Changes in cholesterol levels
Alterations in the immune system and response to certain vaccines
Increased risk of preeclampsia or high blood pressure in pregnant women
Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer
Changes in liver enzyme levels
Small decreases in birth weight
More research is ongoing to fully understand the extent of PFAS health effects. Taking steps to reduce exposure, especially through drinking water, is a proactive measure.
Step 1: Know Your Water's PFAS Levels
The first step in protecting yourself from PFAS in tap water is to find out if it is present and at what levels.
Public Water Systems: If you receive water from a public water system, contact your local water utility. They can provide information on PFAS testing in your area and share any collected data. Many water systems are now required to test for PFAS under new regulations.
Understanding the Threat: What Are PFAS and Why Be Concerned?
PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in numerous products, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. Their unique chemical structure makes them resistant to water, grease, and stains.
However, this same persistence, which makes them effective in consumer products, also makes them extremely difficult to break down in the environment and in human bodies. Research has linked PFAS exposure to several health issues, including:
Changes in cholesterol levels
Alterations in the immune system and response to certain vaccines
Increased risk of preeclampsia or high blood pressure in pregnant women
Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer
Changes in liver enzyme levels
Small decreases in birth weight
More research is ongoing to fully understand the extent of PFAS health effects. Taking steps to reduce exposure, especially through drinking water, is a proactive measure.
Step 1: Know Your Water's PFAS Levels
The first step in protecting yourself from PFAS in tap water is to find out if it is present and at what levels.
Public Water Systems: If you receive water from a public water system, contact your local water utility. They can provide information on PFAS testing in your area and share any collected data. Many water systems are now required to test for PFAS under new regulations.
Private Wells: If you use a private well, you are responsible for testing your water. Contact your state environmental protection agency or health department for guidance on testing methods and locating a state-certified laboratory. The EPA recommends using EPA-developed testing methods for accurate results.
Online Resources: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) offers an interactive map to help identify areas with reported PFAS contamination. This data may not be completely up-to-date and may not cover all locations.
“he most effective water filters for PFAS removal use reverse osmosis (RO), granular activated carbon (GAC), or ion exchange resins.”
Step 2: Choose the Right Water Filter
If your water source has elevated PFAS levels, or if you want to take preventative measures, using a certified water filter is recommended.
Look for Certification: Choose a filter certified by a third-party organization, such as NSF, WQA, or IAPMO, specifically for PFAS reduction. These certifications indicate the filter has been tested to remove PFAS contaminants.
Effective Filtration Technologies: The most effective water filters for PFAS removal use reverse osmosis (RO), granular activated carbon (GAC), or ion exchange resins.
If your water source has elevated PFAS levels, or if you want to take preventative measures, using a certified water filter is recommended.
Look for Certification: Choose a filter certified by a third-party organization, such as NSF, WQA, or IAPMO, specifically for PFAS reduction. These certifications indicate the filter has been tested to remove PFAS contaminants.
Effective Filtration Technologies: The most effective water filters for PFAS removal use reverse osmosis (RO), granular activated carbon (GAC), or ion exchange resins.
Reverse Osmosis (RO): These systems force water through a semipermeable membrane that removes a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS. RO systems generally offer the highest removal rates according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): GAC filters use adsorption, where contaminants stick to the carbon's porous surface. They effectively remove many organic chemicals, including PFAS, particularly longer-chain varieties.
Ion Exchange Resins: These filters use tiny beads that attract and capture PFAS ions.
Filter Placement Options: Water filters are available as:
Point-of-Use (POU) Filters: These filters are installed at a single faucet, typically in the kitchen, and filter the water used for drinking and cooking. They are generally less expensive to purchase and install.
Whole-House (Point-of-Entry) Filters: These systems treat all the water entering your home. They are more expensive but offer protection for all water usage.
Filter Maintenance is Key: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the filter's effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing filters or membranes.
Step 3: Reduce Overall PFAS Exposure
Protecting your family from PFAS involves more than just filtering tap water. PFAS are in various products and environments, so reducing overall exposure is crucial.
Food and Food Packaging: Limit consumption of greasy or fried foods that may be packaged in PFAS-coated containers. Choose microwave popcorn bags labeled as PFAS-free.
Cookware: Avoid using non-stick cookware with Teflon or similar coatings. Choose alternatives like stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic instead.
Household Products: Be mindful of products labeled as stain-resistant, such as carpets and furniture, as they may contain PFAS.
Personal Care Products: Check the ingredient labels of cosmetics and personal care products for terms like "perfluoro" or "PTFE" and choose PFAS-free alternatives when possible.
Dust Control: Regular dusting and vacuuming help remove dust particles that may contain PFAS.
Watering Gardens: If you're concerned about PFAS in your well water, consider using rainwater or filtered water for irrigating your garden to reduce PFAS uptake in your plants.
Important Note: Boiling water does not remove PFAS and can increase their concentration in your water.
In Conclusion
Protecting your family from PFAS in tap water is crucial for a healthy home environment. By understanding the risks, knowing your water quality, choosing certified water filters, and reducing overall exposure to PFAS in other products, you can minimize your family's exposure to these persistent chemicals. A multi-faceted approach to addressing PFAS contamination is the most effective way to safeguard your family's health for years to come.
