PFAS

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 9,000 synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in consumer and industrial products because they resist heat, water, and oil. They are nicknamed “forever chemicals”because they do not break down naturally and can remain in the environment, drinking water, and even the human body for decades.

PFAS have been widely used in:

• Non-stick cookware (Teflon)

• Water- and stain-resistant clothing and fabrics

• Food packaging

• Firefighting foams (major source of water contamination)

• Industrial coatings and processes

Because of their durability, PFAS are now found in drinking water worldwide, with studies detecting them in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia.

What health effects do PFAS have?

PFAS accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to multiple serious health effects.

Documented health risks include:

• Cancers: kidney and testicular cancer

• Immune system damage: reduced vaccine response, weakened immunity

• Hormone disruption: thyroid disease, hormone imbalance, fertility problems

• Cardiovascular risks: high cholesterol, heart issues

• Digestive disorders: ulcerative colitis, IBS-like symptoms

• Liver toxicity: liver damage and tumors

• Developmental effects: low birth weight, congenital defects, early puberty, reduced fertility

• Pregnancy complications: miscarriage, preeclampsia, high blood pressure

The World Health Organization (WHO) and US EPA both classify PFAS as chemicals of major concern. In 2022, the EPA declared that PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS are unsafe in drinking water at virtually any level. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also set strict limits, stating that even small amounts can harm health.

How do PFAS get into tap water?

PFAS contamination occurs through industrial use, waste, and environmental persistence.

Main sources include:

• Firefighting foams used at airports, military bases, and training sites

• Runoff from landfills containing PFAS-laced consumer products

• Industrial discharges from chemical and manufacturing plants

• Leaching from food packaging, textiles, and household products into waste streams

• Atmospheric deposition — PFAS can travel long distances and contaminate rainfall

Once PFAS enter rivers, lakes, or groundwater, they migrate into aquifers and reservoirs. They are resistant to traditional water treatment, meaning they often reach household taps unchanged.

Who is most at risk from PFAS in water?

While everyone is exposed, certain groups face higher risks:

• Pregnant women & unborn babies: PFAS cross the placenta, affecting fetal growth and development.

• Infants & children: more vulnerable to immune suppression, skeletal variations, and developmental delays.

• Communities near industrial or military sites: higher contamination levels from firefighting foams or factory runoff.

• Frequent consumers of fish and seafood: methylated PFAS accumulate in the food chain.

How to avoid/remove PFAS from tap water

Neither boiling water nor bottled water reliably protects against PFAS. Standard filters found in most households are also ineffective.

The most effective method is advanced filtration technology specifically designed to target PFAS.

For best practise, a reverse osmosis system is recommended. 

At PuraHome, our filtration systems are independently tested to reduce levels of PFAS. For complete removal, a reverse osmosis system is recommended.