The chemicals perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid are commonly used in non-stick coatings found on cookware, stain-resistant products, and carpets. The Environmental Protection Agency estimate that PFAS are in the drinking water of 16 million people. Studies have linked the chemicals to health problems such as thyroid disease, weakened immunity, and certain cancers. The chemicals are also suspected to be connected to developmental delays in children. Though the government uses many technologies for PFAS Treatment, some are still left in the water we get. So, here is a guide about reducing PFOA and PFOS from drinking water.

How to Reduce PFAS in Drinking Water

If you are concerned about the amount of PFAS you are getting in your drinking water, there are a few ways to reduce your exposure and help in  PFAS Treatment.

Installation of Water Filtration System on The Kitchen Faucet

There are many ways of reducing PFAS in drinking water as per customwater.com, but water filtration systems are the most effective way to reduce PFAS in your drinking water. If you have a faucet-mounted system, it is easy to install and can remove up to 99 percent of contaminants. Many brands are available, so you will want to do some research before deciding which one is right for you. You can purchase a faucet-mounted system at any hardware store or online. You can also purchase a whole-house water filtration system from Membrane Systems Australia if you are worried about the quality of your drinking water. These systems are more expensive, but they are extremely effective at removing contaminants from all household water sources.

Run Water For 30 Seconds

This is the best way to clear out the water in your pipes. If you turn on the tap and let it run for 30 seconds, you will be able to see if there are any PFAS present in your water supply. If there is no color change, then this means that your water is safe to use. However, if there is a color change, then this means that there are some chemicals in your water supply, and you should not drink it until further notice.

Use Bottled Water

If you don’t have a water filtration system, you can still reduce your exposure by using bottled water. The Environmental Working Group recommends choosing brands free from PFASs and other harmful contaminants like lead and arsenic. You should also ensure that the bottle you buy is free from BPA. BPA is an endocrine disruptor and hormone disrupter that has been linked to cancer, developmental disorders, obesity, infertility and other serious health problems.

Replace Carpets and Furniture That are PFAS Free

Carpets, upholstery, and other household textiles can be an important source of PFAS exposure. If you have these items in your home, make sure they are free of PFAS. This can be done by looking for labels indicating that they comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation for safe levels of PFAS in carpets and upholstery. Consider replacing these items with alternatives that do not contain PFAS. If you don’t know what kind of flame retardant your furniture or carpets are using, call ahead to the store where you plan on buying new furniture and ask about their policy on flame retardants.

Eliminate Non-Stick Cookware From Your Kitchen

Non-stick cookware is one of the easiest ways to reduce PFAS in your drinking water. The coating on non-stick cookware contains PFAS, so if you use non-stick cookware, you need to replace it with something else. Try to use a cast iron pan or stainless steel pots and pans instead of non-stick cookware. These types of pans don’t require any special cleaning or care, and they will last for a long time. They are also easy to find at most grocery stores and home improvement stores. If you have older pots or pans that have been in your kitchen for a long time, consider replacing them with new ones made from stainless steel or cast iron.

Eat Less Fast Food to Avoid Containers

One way to reduce PFAS from drinking water is by eating less fast food. Since fast food restaurants use a lot of plastic containers and packaging, they may be one of the biggest contributors to PFAS contamination in our drinking water. If you don’t want to completely give up your favorite burger joint, try bringing your reusable container for takeout orders instead of using their single-use containers. You can also ask them not to put any sauce or liquid in their plastic cups before you drink from them; this will help keep the contents from leaking into the cup or baggie when you are carrying it around later on.

Wash Your Hands Less Often

This might sound counterintuitive, but washing your hands less often will help reduce exposure to PFAS and other harmful chemicals and bacteria and viruses that can cause illness or infection. Instead of using antibacterial soap at every sink and toilet visit, try diluting 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. You can also use natural soaps or even unscented bar soaps instead of antibacterial varieties, increasing the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.

Use Natural Cleaning Products for Housecleaning

These products tend to be more expensive than their counterparts containing PFAS, but they are also safer for the environment and less likely to contain PFAS. If you are worried about cost, consider using natural cleaning products only for cleaning up around the house. You can still use regular cleaning products for laundry and other tasks that require more cleaning power. These products can be used on most surfaces and are also safe to use around kids and pets. 

Conclusion

In addition, the level of PFOS and PFOA in drinking water may be reduced by using a water-treatment device that uses a granular activated carbon or another type of carbon filtration system. The strategy for reducing PFAS in drinking water is two-fold. It is both about stopping the release of PFAS into drinking water sources and preventing them from building up in groundwater from a source that previously contributed to groundwater contamination.