PFAS In Drinking Water: What You Should Know

PFAS are a class of unregulated chemicals that have been found in water supplies across the country. In some cases, they've been detected at levels that exceed federal safety guidelines.

PFASs, are a group of chemicals that can be found in many common products, including food packaging and clothing. They're often used to make these materials less likely to release toxins when they're damaged or worn.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that some PFASs may be harmful at high levels of exposure and has ordered manufacturers to phase them out of products over time.

Sources of PFAS in Drinking Water:

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There is concern about PFASs in drinking water because they can accumulate over time. Even low levels of chemicals can be harmful.

To date, there is no known safe level of PFASs in drinking water. The EPA recommends that people avoid drinking water with detectable levels of these chemicals.

The chemical has been linked to health problems, including cancer, liver damage, and thyroid problems.

Here are some key things you need to know about PFASs: 

1. There are dozens of PFASs, but the most well-known are PFOA and PFOS. 

2. Most PFASs are produced by companies using processes like combustion or alkylation. 

3. Some products that contain PFASs may not even be aware of it! For example, water treatment facilities might not remove them completely from drinking water because they're not regulated as toxins under the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

4. Exposure to high levels of PFASs has been linked to health problems like cancer, thyroid problems, reproductive issues and lowered fertility in humans and animals alike.