But you cant do that unless you test the water.
In this article
What Are PFAS Chemicals?
PFAS stands for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
The term refers to over five thousand compounds that entered the market in the 1940s.
They have persisted because of their unique properties.
Why are they so Dangerous?
Despite their appealing attributes, PFAS chemicals are dangerous.
Dont expect them to break down naturally.
Conventional waste treatment processes cannot eliminate them.
Medical experts have connected PFAS chemicals tonumerous health consequences.
People that learn of these dangers cannot help but wonder where the chemicals originate.
You dont have to frequent these contaminated locations to ingest PFAS chemicals.
Studies have shown that 97 percent of Americans have PFAS chemicals in their blood.
They cannot poison you overnight.
This process is gradual, and it pops up if you consume the chemicals.
How to Test For PFAS Chemicals?
The EPA recognizes three PFAS testing techniques, namely 533, 537.1, and 537.
But you cannot perform them by yourself.
If you want to test the water for PFAS contamination, you must first identify a certified lab.
Collect some samples and send them to a certified lab.
It may take a few days to get the results.
Their report will probably include a detailed explanation of the method they used.
Western governments began researching the problem just two decades ago.
You should contact your local authorities if you haveconcerns about PFAS contamination in the water.
You cannot detect the toxins through conventional means.
Do PFAS have a unique smell?
But researchers have not linked PFAS chemicals to any particular smell or color.
If youve noticed anomalies in your tap water, contact your supplier.
You probably have a separate issue.
The source of the water doesnt matter.
A privatedrinking well is not necessarily safer than municipal water.
Since PFAS chemicals harm the body gradually, you might protect yourself by identifying the contamination early.
What If Your Water Supply Has A PFAS Contamination?
If that is true, is everyone in danger?
As was noted above, these chemicals should only attract concern if they exceed 70 parts per million.
Send your sample to a certified lab.
This doesnt sound like a feasible solution.
But you have to remember that touching contaminated water isnt harmful.
PFAS chemicals will not harm you simply because you washed your clothes or bathed in water with the toxins.
The chemicals become dangerous when you ingest them.
Naturally, you should also drink bottled water.
2) Filtration
Install a filtration system.
Many people use carbonfilters because you could installthem on taps.
They willfilter the wateras it pours out of the faucet.
you’ve got the option to also invest in filtered water pitchers.
Another feasible option is a reverse osmosis system.
Add it to the sink to purify the water for cooking and drinking purposes.
Better yet, install a filtration system for your whole house.
Look for reliable filters that organizations such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) have certified.
Filtration systems are not all the same.
Some are more efficient than others.
If you dont know how to proceed, communicate with the authorities.
They can use the severity of the contamination in your area to recommend an effective filter.
But you have to test your water before you proceed.
Dont base your decisions on the tests that other people performed.
Just because the PFAS content in your neighbors water is low doesnt mean youre safe.
If you have a separate well, take a sample and send it to a lab.
Conclusion
People are still learning about PFAS chemicals.
For some, the toxins are a source of panic.
Others havent given them a second thought.
For the sake of your friends and family, test your water and install a filtration system.
