Per- and polyfluoroalkylates, often known as PFAS, represent a family of over 4,000 chemical compounds. First appearing in the mid-twentieth century, they are used in many everyday objects for their non-stick, waterproofing and heat-resistant properties.

The best known of these substances are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulphonate). They are found in large quantities in seafood products and in water intended for human consumption.

As well as being toxic to humans, these chemical compounds virtually never degrade once in nature, earning them the unfortunate nickname of 'eternal chemicals'.

The good news is that British Berkefeld® systems are effective at filtering out these compounds. See the PFAS analyses carried out on Ultra Sterasyl filters on the analyses page.