Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are dangerous chemicals often found in drinking water. Doctors and health gurus keep telling us about the benefits of drinking more water, but it is equally important to make sure that the water you are drinking is indeed healthy for your body.
A study found PFAS in groundwater and showed that the chemical is present in drinking water across 27 states in America and impacts 6 million citizens. To ensure people are safe from this danger, hire PFAS testing and treatment services today.
What is PFAS?
PFAS is the acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It is not a single chemical; rather, it is a group of manmade chemicals with carbon and fluorine atoms as their backbone. PFAS compounds have been around since the 1950s and are now used in various industrial processes and consumer products.
PFAS is so widely used in everyday life because of its ability to resist heat, water, and oil. Therefore, it is present in many items that you may be using daily, such as grease-resistant paper, microwave popcorn bags, non-stick cookware, fast food wrappers, water-resistant clothing, personal care products, cleaning products, and stain-resistant carpets.
Because they resist heat, they are quite popular in industrial work. The foams used by firefighters contain many chemicals, including PFAS.
Why is PFAS dangerous?
Just because PFAS is used in various everyday household products does not mean it is safe for human life. Various health risks are associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer, decreased fertility, liver damage, and an increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.
Since this chemical is all around us, it has easily found its way into the soil and drinking water. PFAS has been found contaminating rivers, many lakes, and water supplies. Whoever drinks PFAS-contaminated water has the chemical in their body (blood).
This is particularly dangerous because these chemicals do not break down easily and stick to the human body for years and sometimes even decades. Moreover, the constant exposure to the chemical worsens the situation.
Does PFAS have a safety limit?
Scientists have figured out safety limits for various dangerous chemicals. However, PFAS is not among them. This chemical has no known safe level, making it even scarier. The EPA has signaled about setting a limit, but it has to declare a statement.
Who is more at risk?
People living near major manufacturers using PFAS are obviously more at risk. However, since this chemical is present nearly in almost all essential household items, it is possible that everyone has it in their bodies. Testings conducted by various organizations find it in almost every blood sample they take.
To prevent PFAS from affecting the citizens, accurate and timely assessment is needed. Contact professional services today.
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