Can we remove "Forever Chemicals" from our water?

Added on 19 May 2022

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Can we remove Forever Chemicals from our water?

Recently, much media coverage has exposed the existence of so-called "forever chemicals," known as PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Over the years, PFAS have become widespread in the environment - including water supplies around the world.

What We Know About Forever Chemicals

PFAS are synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds that break down very slowly over time and have become so prevalent that they are showing up in the blood of both animals and people.

Even small doses of PFAS exposure have been linked to cancer and other diseases. The CDC has outlined multiple ways everyday American might be exposed to PFAS chemicals, including:

Drinking contaminated municipal or well water
Ingesting food packaged with material containing PFAS
Using certain consumer products that contain PFAS (including water-repellant clothing or stain-resistant fabrics)

PFAS is widely used, sometimes in surprising places (fast food and candy wrappers, nonstick cookware, cleaning products, certain types of clothing, etc.). Those with the highest exposure rates remain the workers dealing directly or indirectly with the chemicals during the manufacturing process of various products.

PFAS, its Prevalence, and Water Quality

PFAS is highly prevalent in water supplies such as municipal utilities and various brands of bottled water. However, organizations and government agencies are still unclear as to how PFAS enters the environment or how it can be removed.

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Source: Agritech Tomorrow