What are PFASs?

Perfluoroalkylated and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a family of synthetic chemical compounds that have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. These substances are valued for their resistance to heat, water and grease. They are found in everyday items such as non-stick pans, food packaging, water-resistant clothing and even some personal care products.

There are more than 4,000 types of PFAS. They are extremely persistent in our environment as well as in our bodies, which is why they are generally referred to as "eternal pollutants". These chemical substances are extremely resistant to natural degradation. As a result, once released into the environment, they can remain there for decades, even centuries, and accumulate in living organisms, leading to potentially harmful effects on health and ecosystems.

How do PFAS end up in drinking water?

PFAS are released into the environment in a number of ways, including:

• Industrial discharges: Factories that produce or use PFASs can release them into watercourses, contaminating drinking water sources.
• Household products: When products containing PFASs are used and disposed of, these substances can seep into the soil and reach groundwater.
• Waste treatment sites: Landfills and waste treatment centres can be sources of contamination when products containing PFASs are disposed of improperly.
• Atmospheric emissions: PFASs can also be emitted into the air by certain industrial facilities and carried by the wind. When these particles fall back onto the ground or into water, they can contribute to the contamination of drinking water sources.
• Wastewater and sewage sludge: PFAS reach sewage treatment plants mainly via domestic and industrial wastewater. Because of their persistence and ability to bind to solids, they concentrate in sewage sludge during the water treatment process.

Once PFASs enter drinking water systems, they can be difficult to remove with current water treatment technologies, posing significant challenges for the protection of public health and the environment.

Health hazards of PFAS

Prolonged exposure to PFASs can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

• Hormonal problems: PFASs can disrupt the endocrine system, affecting the hormones responsible for growth, metabolism and reproduction.
• Effects on the liver: Exposure to PFASs can damage the liver and affect its functions.
• Increased risk of cancer: Some PFASs are associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as kidney cancer and testicular cancer.
• Developmental problems: In children, exposure to PFASs can lead to developmental delays, behavioural problems and reduced immune response to vaccines.
• Cardiovascular problems: There is evidence that PFASs may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

How to protect yourself from PFAS in tap water:

To reduce exposure to PFAS in drinking water, the use of effective water filters is essential.

Does British Berkefeld® gravity filters remove PFAS?

British Berkefeld® gravity water filters have been developed and designed to effectively filter many pollutants, and in particular those commonly found in tap water. View analysis results on this page.

British Berkefeld® Ultra Sterasyl filters are specially designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS (see here for PFAS test results)

Filtration takes place in 4 stages:

1. The microporous ceramic retains bacteria, cysts and various particles.
2. The ceramic, impregnated with silver, provides a bacteriostatic action that prevents the proliferation of bacteria.
3. Activated carbon filters out chlorine and carbon-based pollutants (pesticides) and eliminates unpleasant odours.
4. The final media reduces heavy metals such as lead.

Ultra Sterasyl filters are NSF tested and certified for their ability to significantly reduce the concentration of PFAS in drinking water.

Conclusion

The presence of PFAS in tap water is a growing concern due to their adverse effects on health. It is crucial to take steps to protect yourself and your family from these persistent contaminants.

By choosing reliable water filtration solutions such as British Berkefeld gravity filters, you can have peace of mind that your drinking water is as pure and safe as possible.

Go to our website to find out which filtration model is right for you and your family.