Does anything remove PFAS from water?
Filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes have been shown to be effective at removing PFAS from water supplies. All water treatment units require regular maintenance to work properly.
Common water pitcher brands like Brita and Pur are perfectly fine if you want to reduce bad-tasting chlorine and contaminants like heavy metals. But they weren't designed to remove PFAS or even reduce their concentration in your tap water.
Currently, there are no definitive medical procedures that can clear PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from the body, according to the Secretary of the United States Navy. However, the best step you can take is to remove the source of the exposure from your environment.
Use an alternate source of water for drinking and cooking. Another option is to install home water treatment, such as reverse osmosis or an activated carbon filter, that is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to lower the levels of PFAS in your water.
You might think that bottled water is safer than tap water, but recent studies have found that some brands of bottled water contain PFAS above safe levels.
Both granular activated carbon (GAC) and reverse osmosis (RO) filters can reduce PFAS substances. Both systems provide less water flow than a standard water faucet.
No. Refrigerator water filters cannot remove PFAS in your water. However, they are effective at eliminating chlorine, tastes, and odors. Fridge water filters use activated carbon to remove contaminants, and because they are not meant to eliminate PFAS, they do it partially.
On Thursday, researchers at Northwestern University published a study showing that PFAS can be destroyed using two relatively harmless chemicals: sodium hydroxide or lye, a chemical used to make soap, and dimethyl sulfoxide, a chemical approved as a medication for bladder pain syndrome.
Farewell to 'forever' – Destroying PFAS by grinding it up with a new additive. Researchers destroy PFAS found in soils by grinding them with metal balls and boron nitride. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are potentially harmful substances known as “forever chemicals” because they are so difficult to destroy.
A blood test for PFAS can tell you what your levels are at the time the blood was drawn, but not whether levels in your body are “safe” or “unsafe.” Most people in the U.S. have measurable amounts of PFAS in their body because PFAS chemicals are commonly used in commercial and industrial products.
Do plastic water bottles contain PFAS?
Of the seven types of bottled water containers tested, plastic had the highest amount of PFAS present. In particular, the bottle made from recycled plastic showed by far the highest amount of PFAS. Glass and cardboard bottles had no detectable PFAS levels.
Also, if PFAS come in contact with skin, it is possible that a small amount may enter the body through your skin. stay in the body for many years. It takes nearly four years for the level in the body to go down by half. PFAS leave the body mainly through urine.
Boiling water for drinking will not reduce PFAS exposures. Bottled water is not required to be tested for PFAS. Some manufacturers may test for it.
Some of the highest PFAS levels detected were in samples from major metropolitan areas, including Miami, Philadelphia, New Orleans and the northern New Jersey suburbs of New York City.
There have been no studies linking Ziploc bags to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Ziploc and other sandwich bags are often made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which has been shown not to contain PFAS, but these bags could be contaminated in manufacturing.
If you are concerned about PFOA, PFOS, GenX chemicals, or PFBS in your drinking water, you can contact your local water utility to learn more about your drinking water and to see whether they have monitoring data or can provide any specific recommendations for your community.
Three EPA certified laboratories have provided information on test kits available to homeowners to test for PFAS in drinking water using EPA Method 537.
Although the evidence is not as strong as for fish and shellfish, Eick said eggs, certain kinds of meat, especially liver and other organ meats and dairy products have also been found to have higher levels of longer chain PFAS in particular. EU scientists have also warned that fruit can contain elevated levels of PFAS.
Massachusetts' DPH also published a list of bottlers currently testing for PFAS, which includes Coca-Cola-owned Dasani and Poland Spring. Lab results that both brands voluntarily shared with the state showed nondetectable amounts of PFAS.
Filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes have been shown to be effective at removing PFAS from water supplies. All water treatment units require regular maintenance to work properly. Water treatment units that are not properly maintained will lose their effectiveness over time.
Does LifeStraw actually remove PFAS?
Water filtration technologies that remove PFAS
The LifeStraw Home Pitcher is one of the most effective products to combat PFAS; its dual filtration technology combines membrane microfiltration with activated carbon and advanced ion exchange technology to remove PFOA and PFOS from water.
Does this remove PFAS (PFOA and PFOS)? Yes, the LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher and LifeStraw Home Water Filter Dispenser reduce PFAS and meet the NSF P473 standard for reducing PFOA and PFOS from water.
Installing a reverse osmosis filter for your tap is an effective way to remove potentially toxic chemicals from your drinking water. Reverse osmosis systems use both carbon-based filters and reverse osmosis membranes, Andrews explained. Water passes through the carbon filter before entering the membrane.
Distillation is a highly effective method of removing PFAS from water. On average, distilled water is free from around 99% PFAS. PFAS have a higher boiling point than water, which means they're left behind in the distillation chamber when water evaporates.
The study did not identify which brands were tested. But the researchers did find that bottled waters labeled as “purified,” which are typically filtered through reverse osmosis, contained less PFAS overall than “spring” water, which is not filtered using that method.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have launched real-world pilot tests of their water treatment method. Canadian researchers said they have developed a method to filter toxic “forever chemicals” from water and potentially destroy the long-lasting compounds permanently.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) also provides ongoing reviews of PFAS thermal treatment. Their latest review finds that: Fluorinated organic compounds require temperatures above 1,000C to achieve 99.99% destruction in 1 second residence time.
Epidemiological studies have revealed associations between exposure to specific PFAS and a variety of health effects, including altered immune and thyroid function, liver disease, lipid and insulin dysregulation, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and cancer.
Exposure to high levels of PFAS in contaminated drinking water may result in the following health effects: Increased cholesterol levels. Changes in liver enzymes. Hormone disruption and increased risk for thyroid disease.
One report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans.
Where is PFAS stored in the body?
Lung tissues accumulated the highest concentration of PFASs. However, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid were more prevalent in liver and bone, respectively.
- Topo Chico PFAS (9.76 ppt)
- Polar Natural Seltzer Water PFAS (6.41 ppt)
- Bubly Sparkling Water PFAS (2.24 ppt)
- Poland Spring Sparkling Water PFAS (1.66 ppt)
- Canada Dry Sparkling Seltzer Water PFAS (1.24 ppt)
- LaCroix Natural Sparkling Water PFAS (1.16 ppt)
#1: This is a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic. This means that this is safe and healthy to be used as a drinking water bottle. These are also usually BPA-free plastic water bottles.
Consumers also come in contact with PFAS when using liners for baking cupcakes, popcorn boxes at the movie theater, and ice cream cups and tubs. Disposable food packaging still uses PFAS, according to a ChemTrust study.
The PFAS levels detected are low enough to suggest the chemicals are used in the manufacturing process to prevent paper pulp from sticking to machinery, Thompson said. PFAS are often used as lubricants in the manufacturing process and some of the chemicals are commonly left on or in consumer goods.
For example, California, Colorado, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin enacted legislation regulating PFAS in firefighting foam and firefighting equipment. New York also established requirements for consumer notices for the use of PFAS and other chemicals in children's products.
Drinking water is one of the most significant pathways of PFAS exposure. PFAS have contaminated the tap water of at least 200 million people in 33 states and Puerto Rico, as well as groundwater in at least 38 states.
What are exposure limits for PFAS in drinking water? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Health Advisory recommends that the concentration of PFOA and PFOS, or a combination of both PFOA and PFOS, in drinking water should not be higher than 70 parts per trillion.
Michigan has the highest levels of PFAS in the U.S. According to the American Red Cross, “the blood of the average American has 4,300 parts per trillion, or ppt, of PFOS and 1,100 ppt of PFOA.”
Pensacola, Fla. (
Analysts say it has the worst water quality in the country. Of the 101 chemicals tested for over five years, 45 were discovered. Of them, 21 were discovered in unhealthy amounts. The worst of these were radium-228 and -228, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, alpha particles, benzine and lead.
How many Americans are exposed to PFAS through tap water?
Overall, the analysis included 14,100 detections of PFAS in water supplies between 2004 and 2023. That equates to at least 143 million Americans who have been possibly drinking, bathing and cleaning with contaminated tap water in public water systems during the past 20 years.
That may be especially important if your food is warm and if it comes in paper bags or molded fiber bowls, which had the highest levels in CR's tests. Ideally, put food into foil, silicone, or glass containers, which typically don't have PFAS.
Ziploc® Containers with lids feature easy-to-use, leakproof Smart Snap technology. They are BPA free and safe for use in the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and fridge (when used as directed). Use them to store food, organize supplies, or while on the go.
PFAS are often used in grease-proof food wrappers including pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, burger or sandwich wrappers and other take-out containers. PFAS in packaging can leach into food and drink, where they can be ingested.
Common water pitcher brands like Brita and Pur are perfectly fine if you want to reduce bad-tasting chlorine and contaminants like heavy metals. But they weren't designed to remove PFAS or even reduce their concentration in your tap water.
- Check product labels for ingredients that include the words "fluoro" or "perfluoro."
- Be aware of packaging for foods that contain grease-repellent coatings. ...
- Avoid stain-resistance treatments. ...
- Avoid or reduce use of non-stick cookware.
For example, the Brita water filter pitcher uses a coconut-based activated carbon filter that removes chlorine, zinc, copper, cadmium and mercury. However, activated carbon filters don't remove all nitrates, dissolved minerals, or bacteria and viruses in water through the absorption process.
If you're wondering do Brita filters remove PFAS from tap water, the answer is no. While activated carbon in a Brita pitcher can remove some of these contaminants from drinking water, it does not reduce their concentration to drinking water standards.
Brita water filter pitchers use Granular Activated Carbon filters to reduce impurities from water, such as chlorine, taste and odor. These filters are inexpensive to manufacture and not specifically designed to remove PFAS (Forever Chemicals) or water contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides.
* Brita® faucet filters reduce lead, chlorine, asbestos, benzene, particulates and other contaminants.
Is Pur or Brita better?
Brita surpasses Pur in overall water taste, filter lifespan, filter replacement cost, and pitcher options. However, the whole point of a water filter pitcher is to actually remove contaminants, and the Pur filters reduce and remove more chemicals from the water than the Brita pitchers do.
Filter water vs. bottled water. Although both filtered water and bottled water can provide healthier, better-tasting water, the cost-effectiveness and smaller environmental impact of filtered water beats out bottled water at every turn.
* Changing your filter regularly helps ensure you have cleaner, great-tasting water. For all Brita® pitchers, dispensers and Water Filter Faucet Systems, timing estimates are based on 11 glasses per day for the average household.
Distillation is a highly effective method of removing PFAS from water. On average, distilled water is free from around 99% PFAS. PFAS have a higher boiling point than water, which means they're left behind in the distillation chamber when water evaporates.
The most common in-home water filters that remove PFAS are activated carbon and reverse osmosis. Dual stage filters (activated carbon + reverse osmosis) are also an option. REVERSE OSMOSIS FILTERS REMOVE PFAS BETTER THAN ACTIVATED CARBON FILTERS.
Filtering your water
“The water filters that are most effective for PFAS are reverse osmosis filters, which are more expensive, about in the $200 range,” Andrews said. Reverse osmosis filters can remove a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, by forcing water through various filters.
Does boiling water remove PFAS? No, boiling water does not remove PFAS. In fact, heat does not break down PFAS, and instead concentrates the chemicals and renders them more dangerous if ingested.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have launched real-world pilot tests of their water treatment method. Canadian researchers said they have developed a method to filter toxic “forever chemicals” from water and potentially destroy the long-lasting compounds permanently.
Are Brita Filters Safe? Brita filters are effective at removing contaminants from drinking water. Brita products are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), which means they meet the requirements for providing safe drinking water.
Brita Standard
Brita is probably the best-known of the water filter pitcher brands and it performed well in our testing, second only to the ZeroWater in the overall removal of dissolved materials. The Brita removed about 40% of the TDS. Not a bad showing but still significantly less than the winner.
Is ZeroWater better than Brita?
The only benefit the ZeroWater has over the Brita is its ability to remove lead. If lead is a concern, and you don't mind the high cost of filter replacements, the ZeroWater may be a better choice.
