By using in-home water filtration systems, PFAS can be filtered out of drinking water. As of May 2020, there are 49 states that have confirmed PFAS contamination sites that pose a risk to water supplies, according to the Environmental Working Group. The EWG has also created an interactive map that shows specific locations across the U.S. where contamination sites have been reported.
If you feel your household is at risk of PFAS in your drinking water, you have several options to counter the situation. For starters, you may use certified filtration systems to remove both perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which are too dangerous compounds of PFAS.
In order to be certified, the filters must meet the National Sanitation Foundation’s standards for water treatment systems.
Certified filtration systems will typically verify in the packaging that they have been tested by independent third parties (such as the NSF), according to the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team. You may also conduct online research into PFAS water filters to not only ensure that they are certified filtration systems, but also that they have been tested by a third party.
Some states have already begun to address the situation with water filter recommendations for removing PFOA and PFOS at home. These states include:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New York
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters
When considering if PFAS can be filtered out of drinking water, a granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) filer can be utilized. A GAC system is mainly used to remove PFAS from your drinking water, while an RO is used to remove contaminants such as arsenic and nitrates, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
The EWG also recommends using a conductivity meter to test the effectiveness of the reverse osmosis filter when removing toxic fluorinated chemicals from your home’s tap water. The lower the reading is from a conductivity meter, the more effective the filter is at removing remove ions and other contaminants.
Working with EPA Approved Test Labs
Beyond using a PFAS water filter to remove the toxic forever chemical from your drinking water, you can first test your tap water to determine if your water is contaminated at all.
The EPA has created a list of approved laboratories that homeowners can work with to test their water supply. When you make contact with these labs, they will mail you a test kit that can be used to gather a sample of your home’s drinking water. From here, you can mail back the sample and await the results.
If your test results determine that PFAS has in fact contaminated your home’s drinking water, you may consider purchasing a reverse osmosis filter and an activated carbon filter.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for PFAS Contamination Help
PFAS can cause several cancers and other health effects to humans that have been exposed to this toxic forever chemical. There are many ways in which you can be exposed to PFAS beyond your drinking water, such as through consumer products, food, and at the workplace.
If you or a loved one was exposed to PFAS at your place of work, call the PFAS contamination lawyers of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today. Our team of personal injury lawyers may be able to help you file or join a class-action lawsuit based on the details from your free case evaluation form.
Call us today at (800) 788-4155 to learn more about your legal recourse options when exposed to PFAS at work.