PFAS information

PFAS: an overview

PFAS, a type of toxic chemical present in consumer products, have been talked about in recent times.

Consumer Reports Recently conducted a study on 47 bottled waters and discovered pfas concentrations higher than those recommended by certain experts. Michigan recently adopted some of the country's stretch standards concerning PFAS limits for public water supplies, and the Minnesota authorities are considering a $ 700 million project to combat PFAS in the Drinking water from Washington County.

What are the PFAS?

Perfluoroalkylas and polyfluoroalkylas (PFAS) substances are synthetic chemicals used since the 1950s. We know more than 5,000, and we find them in products that most of us use almost every day: food containers (food containers (food containers (food containers (food containers (food containers (food containers ( Pizzas or hamburgers to take away, does that mean anything to you?); household products, including kitchen utensils with non -stick coating; waxes and paintings; personal hygiene products (shampoo, dental wire); Cosmetics, etc. They are also found in industrial products, especially in medical devices, insect baits, printers and photocopier parts, etc.

What is the difference between PFC, PFAS, PFOA and PFOS?

The abbreviations commonly used for these chemicals are quite similar and can be confusing. Here are some basic points to help you understand them better:

• Pfc is the name given to a large family of chemicals called "treacherous chemicals". The PFC family includes:
• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
• PFOS (Sulfonic perfluorooctane acid)
• Other per- and polyfluoroalkylas (PFAS) substances)
• The difference between a PFC and another is mainly determined by the length of the chain (the number of carbon atoms in its chemical composition).
• There are two main PFC groups: long chain and short chain.
• Long -channel PFCs, such as PFOA and PFOS, contain eight carbon atoms or more, are more persistent in the environment and their health effects are well known.
• Short chain PFCs contain 7 carbon or less atoms and have proven to be less persistent, but their toxicity and their effects have not been studied so in depth.
• The PFOA and the PFOS are two of the longest and most studied long chain PFCs.

Are PFCs such as PFAS and PFOA harmful to humans?

Despite all the advantages that the PFCs seem to bring (from the resistance of the splashes to the guarantee that your grilled cheese sandwich does not stick to the pan), their manufacture and their use have a disturbing potential drawback. PFCs are called "eternal chemicals" for a reason.

PFCs are extremely resistant to degradation when exposed to air, water, sun, acid or other forces. They can stay in the environment - and in the human body - for very long periods. In fact, it may take up to 4 years for the PFAS and PFOA levels to your body can decrease by half, even if you no longer ingest. Long -term exposure and PFC accumulation in your body may have serious health risks.

PFCs are very common in the world today. Centers for the control and prevention of diseases say they are detectable in the blood of 98 % of Americans. PFCs can enter your body by the air you breathe, by your diet or by drinking water containing PFC. Chemicals leave the body mainly through urine.

What are the health risks posed by PFCs?

Human studies have shown that some PFCs can be associated with a number of health problems, including:

• Increase in cholesterol levels
• Lesion of liver tissues
• Delays in the development of the fetus and the child, including possible changes in growth, learning and behavior
• Prostate, kidney and testicles cancer

Even if the manufacture of many PFCs has been gradually abandoned in recent years, they are still present in the environment, especially on (or in) many objects that you can have at home. New short -chain PFCs have been developed in recent years to replace their predecessors, but they are also slowly decomposed in the environment and arouse many of the same health concerns as long -channel PFCs.

Protect your drinking water against PFC

Perfluored chemicals will continue to constitute a permanent threat to health and the environment. The best protection against treacherous chemicals in your drinking water is to set up a final barrier system, such as a Berkey ® gravity water filtration system with powerful filters that have been tested independently to eliminate Perfluored chemicals at levels below the detection threshold.

The authentic elements Black Berkey ® have suffered rigorous extreme tests carried out by third parties to detect the perfuled chemical contaminants in the water, so that you can drink with confidence. See the results of extreme PFC elimination tests of Black Berkey ® elements

Learn more

For a more in -depth examination of PFCs, associated health risks and advice to reduce your exposure, read our article: Black Berkey ® Elements: the final barrier against the PFOA and other PFCs in drinking water.

The authentic elements Black Berkey ® are the right choice for your loved ones

Available in 7 sizes, Berkey ® water filtration systems are designed for extreme conditions, but appreciated on a daily basis. The powerful Black Berkey ® elements can easily filter tap water and other freshwater sources.