Forever Chemicals in Your Tap Water: The Invisible Threat Harming Your Family’s Health - AquaTru

Did you know that harmful, man-made chemicals called PFAS could be lurking in your tap water, contaminating the environment, and even building up in our bodies? Nearly 45% of U.S. tap water is estimated to be contaminated with “forever chemicals.

The threat is so serious, the Biden-Harris Administration set aside $1B to address PFAS in drinking water.1 Yet despite such efforts, nearly half of US tap water remains tainted by these persistent chemicals.2

How did this happen, and how can we protect our families? In this article we’ll uncover the facts about PFAS, explore their health impacts, and discuss effective solutions for ensuring your drinking water is safe and pure.

PFAS Exposed: The Invisible Intruders

With all the recent media attention, you’ve likely heard of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), synthetic chemicals found in our drinking water. While PFOA and PFOS are the most common types, there are actually 14,750 different chemicals that fall under the PFAS umbrella.3 

Disturbingly, they come from everyday products meant to make our lives easier, like non-stick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. During manufacturing, PFAS seep into the environment, eventually reaching our tap water. 

 But most troubling is their longevity. Because of their strong chemical bonds, PFAS can last for decades or even centuries, earning them their ominous nickname, “forever chemicals.” And with each tainted sip, these stubborn pollutants can accumulate in our bodies over time. 

And if all of this has you concerned about health implications, brace yourself — because the reality is even more disturbing … 

The Alarming Reality of PFAS Health Risks

With PFAS in the spotlight, it’s no surprise researchers are racing to uncover the health effects of these chemicals, and the results are sobering.

PFAS have been linked to a variety of serious health issues, including:

  • Cancer Risks: These chemicals might contribute to abnormal cell growth, potentially increasing the risk of cancer.4
  • Weakened Immunity: PFAS can make it harder for your body to fight off illnesses and infections.5
  • Higher Cholesterol: Studies show PFAS may raise your bad cholesterol.6
  • Liver Issues: Exposure to PFAS exposure may raise the risk of liver problems.7
  • Pregnancy Complications: For expecting mothers, PFAS have been linked to thyroid problems and potential fertility concerns.8,9
  • Weight gain: Studies suggests PFAS may interfere weight regulation, leading to obesity.10

The most concerning part? While anyone can be affected, young children, pregnant women, and people who work with PFAS-containing materials face even greater risk.1.1

Detecting PFAS in Your Water

Curious about contaminants in your tap water? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database can help. By entering your zip code or local utility’s name, you can see what contaminants have been detected in your area. The database provides detailed information including test dates, numerical results, and lab identification numbers. EWG also compiles state-level water quality reports using data from the California State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. EPA’s ECHO database. You can also find this report at AquaTru.com

Getting Serious About Clean Water: The Best Way to Stop PFAS

You may have heard that boiling water, cooking, or using a water softener can remove PFAS, but that’s just a myth. Contaminants do not boil out! The best defense against these ‘forever chemicals’ is a reliable water filtration system.

The most common water filtration is made with activated carbon block filters. Like tiny sponges, they trap larger contaminants like chlorine. They’re great for improving taste and odor, but not the best against PFAS, heavy metals, or other Volatile Organic Compounds..

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration method that uses pressure to force water through an ultrafine membrane, removing ions, molecules, and larger particles. Known as the gold standard in water filtration, RO effectively eliminates a broad range of contaminants from tap water.

You’ve likely tasted reverse osmosis water before, as many major bottled water brands like Aquafina, Dasani, and Nestle Pure Life use this method to filter tap or municipal water. This process not only removes harmful contaminants but also reduces salts, chlorides, and substances that affect taste. 

And what about those popular, inexpensive pitcher filters, like Brita and Pur? Most of them just use a basic carbon filter. While they may help improve taste, a recent study found them unreliable for PFAS removal — unlike reverse osmosis which almost completely removes these ‘forever chemicals.’13

Although both filtration methods remove impurities from tap water, RO filtration is far superior. For ultimate peace of mind, experts recommend combo systems using both carbon filters and RO membranes. For optimal results, consider a multi-step RO filtration system like AquaTru. AquaTru uses a 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Purification, which includes a Pre-filter, Carbon Filter, RO filter, and a Post-Carbon VOC filter. This comprehensive system ensures that not only are common contaminants removed, but also volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like PFAS. The Post-Carbon VOC filter is especially crucial for effectively targeting and eliminating these persistent ‘forever chemicals,’ providing you with the cleanest, safest water possible. 

But remember, just as you change your car’s oil, it’s crucial to replace your water filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Worn filters become blocked over time, making even the best systems ineffective against PFAS.

Now that you know how to tackle these stubborn contaminants, let’s explore a next-level water purification solution … 

AquaTru: Purify Your Water, Elevate Your Health 

No matter the season, staying hydrated is crucial for our health and well-being. But compromising on water quality should never be an option. That’s why AquaTru invested millions of dollars and years of research to create a groundbreaking filtration system, ensuring you can always enjoy refreshing, crystal-clear water straight from the tap.

We’re more than just a filtration company. Our team of dedicated scientists and engineers developed a patented 4-stage reverse osmosis water filtration system that’s 80% more efficient than typical RO systems. AquaTru is so powerful, that it can even turn 11 cans of cola into pure drinking water in less than 3 minutes.It’s easy to imagine how it so easily traps nasty contaminants like PFAS.

Here’s how AquaTru’s powerhouse filtration system works:

  •  Stage 1: The Pre-Filter traps larger particles like sediment and rust.
  • Stage 2: The Activated Carbon Filter removes chlorine and other offensive tastes and odors.
  • Stage 3: Like a super-shield, the Ultra-Fine Reverse Osmosis Filter blocks nasty contaminants like arsenic, lead, nitrates, and some PFAS. 
  • Stage 4: The Post Carbon VOC Filter eliminates any lingering PFAS and any other sneaky pollutants like pesticides, prescription medication residue, and even rocket fuel! 

The AquaTru Difference:

AquaTru systems stand out as the only ones on the market rigorously tested to NSF standards by IAPMO, effectively removing 83 different contaminants, including PFAS. AquaTru publishes a detailed performance data sheet, transparently listing each tested contaminant and its reduction efficiency. We don’t water down the truth.

Don’t just take our word for it—AquaTru has been voted “Best Countertop Water Purifier” by Good Housekeeping for two consecutive years and is trusted by over 200,000 satisfied customers. AquaTru ensures you receive pure, safe hydration every time.

Taste the Difference & Drink with Confidence:

Upgrade your drinking experience with AquaTru’s advanced purification system. Transform ordinary tap water into a crisp, refreshing stream of pure hydration, free from harsh contaminants like PFAS that could put your family’s health at risk. With AquaTru, every glass meets the highest standards, ensuring water that tastes as good as it is for you. 

Don’t settle for questionable tap water. Start enjoying truly delicious, clean, and safe drinking water today!

 

 

Citations

  1. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-first-ever-national-drinking-water-standard
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412023003069?via%3Dihub
  3. https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical-lists/PFASSTRUCT
  4. https://setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/etc.4890
  5. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/1547691X.2015.1067259
  6. https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/researchbriefs/view.cfm?Brief_ID=335
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35475652/
  8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653523000140?via%3Dihub
  9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723008835?via%3Dihub
  10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5810983/
  11. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas
  12. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epa-pfas-drinking-water-laboratory-methods
  13. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00004