PFOS and PFOA in Our Tap Water?
Common Water Chemical Threats PFOS and PFOA are the most common and persistent chemicals found in drinking water. They are known to be toxic and can cause a variety of health problems, such as immune system suppression, reproductive issues, and cancer. These chemicals have been used for decades in firefighting foam and industrial coatings and are found in many locations across the country. The toxins can persist for years in the environment and are difficult to break down. PFOS and PFOA can be found in drinking water, in the air, and on food. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set health advisory levels of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for both PFOS and PFOA. In order to be protected from these toxic chemicals, it is recommended that people drink only bottled water or use other methods of filtration such as GAC or reverse osmosis filters. Using boiling water to purify your tap water is not recommended as this will concentrate the contaminant. Surveying Drinking Water Across t...