Eliminating Forever Chemicals
Understanding Forever Chemicals (PFAS)
What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?
Forever chemicals are a group of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are termed “forever” because they are incredibly persistent in the environment and human body, meaning they do not break down easily over time. PFAS have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foams.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure
- Cancer: Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers.
- Liver Damage: Potential liver toxicity and related diseases.
- Thyroid Disease: Disruption of normal thyroid function.
- Immune System Effects: Potential weakening of the immune system.
- Increased Cholesterol Levels: Higher levels of LDL cholesterol.
- Developmental Effects in Children: Issues such as low birth weight and developmental delays.
How Do PFAS Get into Drinking Water?
PFAS can enter drinking water through:
- Industrial discharges
- Runoff from firefighting foams
- Landfills
- Leaching from products containing PFAS
How to Safely Eliminate PFAS from Drinking Water
Activated Carbon Filters
These filters can effectively remove some PFAS. The carbon adsorbs the chemicals as water passes through.
Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters are commonly used for this purpose.
Regularly replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as their effectiveness decreases over time.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems:
This method is more effective in removing PFAS from water. RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out contaminants, including PFAS.
Ion Exchange Resins
These resins can selectively remove PFAS from water. Often used in combination with other filtration methods for enhanced removal. Typically used in large-scale municipal water treatment but can be available for home use as well.
Distillation
Boiling water and then condensing the steam into liquid can remove many contaminants, including PFAS. While effective, this method can be energy-intensive and slow.
Integrating Blue Mountain Pure’s POU water coolers into your company’s operations can significantly reduce your environmental footprint, support sustainability initiatives, and enhance overall corporate responsibility.
Preventing Future Exposure
- Support regulations that limit or ban the use of PFAS in products and industrial processes.
- Advocate for cleanup efforts in contaminated areas.
- Check your local water report for PFAS levels and take necessary actions if your water is affected.
If you’re concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, give Blue Mountain Pure a call to discuss options for your office. We have a lot of different coolers and filter options that can help eliminate PFAS in your drinking water.
Will Reverse Osmosis (RO) eliminate forever chemicals (PFAS) in your drinking water?
Yes, Reverse Osmosis (RO) is one of the most effective methods for removing PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” from drinking water. RO systems work by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out a wide range of contaminants, including PFAS.
How RO Works to Eliminate PFAS:
- Membrane Filtration: The RO system’s membrane has tiny pores that allow water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules, including PFAS chemicals. This process effectively reduces the concentration of PFAS in the filtered water.
- Pre- and Post-Filtration: Many RO systems include additional pre-filters (such as activated carbon filters) and post-filters to further enhance the removal of contaminants, including PFAS.
Effectiveness
- High Removal Rates: RO systems can remove over 90% of PFAS compounds from water, depending on the system’s quality and maintenance.
- Broad Contaminant Removal: Besides PFAS, RO systems also remove other contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and salts, providing comprehensive water purification.
Wastewater
RO systems generate wastewater, as some of the water is used to flush away the filtered contaminants. This can lead to water wastage, which is something to consider in areas where water conservation is important.
Cost
While RO systems are highly effective, they can be more expensive to install and maintain compared to other filtration methods.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance, including membrane replacement and pre-filter changes, is crucial to ensure the system continues to effectively remove PFAS and other contaminants.
RO is a reliable and efficient method for eliminating forever chemicals from drinking water. If you’re dealing with PFAS contamination, investing in a high-quality RO system can significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful substances.
Quality Matters When Choosing Hydration Options
Research
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Blue Mountain Pure researches every one of our hydration systems to ensure they deliver the safest, purest water
World Class Filtration
For the ultimate hydration experience, Blue Mountain Pure water and ice systems use high quality filters to reduce sediment, chlorine, and odors.
Lab-Certified 99.99% Bacteria Reduced
Every Blue Mountain Pure hydration system undergoes an antimicrobial, antipathogenic, sanitising procedure. This assures hygienically safe hydration for our clients and their employees.
Ultraviolet Sterilisation System
For added hygiene, our hydration systems undergo an ultraviolet sterilization process.
Contact Us
Experience the difference with Blue Mountain Pure. Contact us today to learn more about our water dispenser solutions and how we can meet your hydration needs.
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