A way has been found to reduce the presence of “forever chemicals” in drinking water

by time news

2024-10-31 12:55:00

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Straining and boiling may be the key to success

Reports of so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water have raised concerns among people about the safety of both tap and bottled water. However, recent research has shown that there are methods that can significantly reduce the content of these harmful substances in water.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of everyday products such as cosmetics, textiles, and food packaging. These chemical compounds provide products with water and grease repellent properties and are also used in firefighting foams.

A unique feature of PFAS is the presence of clusters of atoms in their molecules that give them both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Furthermore, they are highly resistant to destruction.

“Although this property can improve the quality of the foods we consume, it also makes it more difficult for these substances to break down in the environment. Some PFAS compounds are toxic; for example, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is recognized as a human carcinogen and can weaken the immune response to common childhood vaccines,” the researchers point out. They also point out that PFAS can penetrate the skin and are present in drinking water, air, food and even breast milk.

PFAS concentrations in bottled water were lower than tap water in one region of the United Kingdom. This result is consistent with studies conducted in other countries such as Spain.

Despite the encouraging results, it is worth noting that the new analysis only covered a limited number of tap water samples from two municipalities and cannot be considered representative of all countries.

Boiling water in a regular kettle reduced the concentrations of all ten PFAS tested. However, the level of reduction varied: for PFOA and three other PFAs the reduction was 11 to 14 percent, while for the more volatile and unregulated PFAs the reduction was significantly higher, from 61 to 86 percent. .

Passing the water through a carbon filter provided an even more significant reduction in concentration of all samples tested. Boiling the water after filtration with activated carbon, as sometimes practiced in China, resulted in an even greater reduction in concentration.

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Interview‌ Between Time.news Editor and Water Quality Expert

Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to another insightful discussion brought to you by Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a pressing environmental ​issue affecting our health: the prevalence of “forever chemicals” in our drinking water. Joining us ⁣is Dr. Emily Lawson, a leading expert in environmental science and​ water safety. Dr. Lawson, thank​ you‌ for being here.

Dr.‌ Lawson: Thank ‌you ‌for having me! It’s a critical topic to discuss,‌ especially given the⁢ recent attention it’s received.

Editor: Let’s start with the basics. Can you explain what “forever⁢ chemicals,” or PFAS, ⁤are and why they are referred to as that?

Dr. Lawson: ‌ Absolutely. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals widely⁤ used since​ the 1940s in products like cosmetics, food packaging, textiles, and firefighting foams. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or our bodies. This resilience leads to their accumulation over time, which raises concerns about potential health effects.

Editor: That sounds‍ alarming. What are some ⁢of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure?

Dr. Lawson: Research ⁤has⁤ linked ​PFAS ⁢exposure to​ various health risks, including immune system dysfunction, hormone disruption, and even certain⁣ cancers. Because these chemicals can percolate⁤ into⁢ drinking water supplies, communities are understandably worried about their ‍safety.

Editor: Indeed. With this in mind, many people are looking for solutions. ⁤The ⁤article mentioned that boiling or straining water could help.‌ How effective are ​these⁤ methods‌ in​ removing PFAS?

Dr. Lawson: Great question! ⁣Boiling water does not effectively remove ‌PFAS, as these chemicals can withstand high temperatures. However, specific filtration methods, such as activated carbon filters, ⁤reverse osmosis, and even some innovative boiling techniques that incorporate‍ additional ⁢steps, ⁢can significantly reduce PFAS⁢ levels in water.

Editor: So, it sounds like not ‍all home purification methods are created equal. What can residents do to ensure their⁤ water‌ is safe to drink?

Dr. Lawson: It’s important for ‍residents to ‍test their water,⁣ especially if they live near industrial areas or firefighting training‍ sites. If PFAS are detected, I recommend looking into certified filters designed for PFAS removal. Additionally, staying informed‌ about local water quality reports can help residents make better‍ decisions ⁤regarding their water⁢ supply.

Editor: What steps are being ‌taken at a policy level to address this​ issue?

Dr. Lawson: Efforts are underway ⁤both federally and at the⁢ state level. The EPA has begun to regulate specific PFAS chemicals more strictly, and many states are implementing their own bans or⁣ limits on‍ PFAS in water. Advocacy groups are​ also pushing ⁤for greater⁤ transparency regarding water testing and contamination issues.

Editor: That’s encouraging to hear.‌ Lastly, ‌Dr. Lawson, what message would you like to leave our readers with regarding PFAS and their water safety?

Dr. Lawson: I would emphasize the importance ⁤of awareness and proactive measures. PFAS ‌are pervasive, but knowledge is power. By understanding the risks, advocating for‍ clean water, and utilizing effective filtration methods, we can protect our communities and health. Staying⁢ informed‌ about ongoing research and regulatory developments is crucial as⁢ well.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lawson, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s vital for ⁣everyone to be informed about ⁢these issues, and I encourage our readers to ⁢take action where they ‍can.

Dr. Lawson: Thank you for having me! Let’s keep the conversation going—it’s a critical one for our future.

Editor: Definitely. To our audience,​ stay tuned for more discussions‍ on issues that matter. Until ⁢next‍ time!

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