Crunchy & Co

If you’ve ever watched the Dark Waters movie, you already know the dangers of PFAS. (Side bar: If you haven’t seen the film, Dark Waters, we highly HIGHLY suggest you do. Rent it here.) We’re supposed to drink 8 cups of water a day, so you better bet it’s important to make sure your water is clean. Reverse Osmosis systems are often celebrated as the best option for purifying water. Which begs the question does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?

Clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity, but today, many are unaware of the hidden dangers lurking in their tap water. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are a group of human-made chemicals used in various industries and consumer products. In this article, we will explore the potential dangers of PFAS and guide you on how to test your water for their presence. Furthermore, we will discuss effective water purification methods, with a focus on the best water filters available to remove PFAS and keep your family safe.

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What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been used for decades in products such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foam. These compounds are notorious for their resistance to degradation, which makes them incredibly persistent in the environment. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, many PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and its made its way into our soil, food and water causing chronic disease and even cancer.

It should be noted, that PFAS, while a concerning toxin, is not the only toxin found in our water. Other contaminants can range from microorganisms, (E. coli, Giardia, and noroviruses) to organic chemicals (lead, arsenic, nitrates, and nitrites) to inorganic chemicals (atrazine, glyphosate, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene), and even disinfection byproducts (like chloroform).

Why are PFAS considered dangerous?

1. Health Concerns: Research has linked exposure to PFAS with various health problems, including developmental issues, cancer, liver damage, and immune system dysfunction. Prolonged exposure to even low levels of PFAS can be harmful.
2. Environmental Impact: PFAS contamination poses a significant threat to ecosystems, affecting aquatic life and soil quality. These chemicals can migrate into groundwater, contaminating water sources and affecting communities.
3. Bioaccumulation: PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, posing a long-term risk. The chemicals do not break down easily, which means they can persist in the environment and enter the food chain.

Does PFAS appear on a label?

Unfortunately, you will never see PFAS listed on a label. But you might see products advertising themselves as “PFOA-free” or “PFOS-free” (especially in cookware). These are purely marketing tactics. PFAS refers to the entire family of forever chemicals (thousands). PFOA or PFOS only refers to one… So ask yourself? What about the other 999 chemicals? If you want to avoid forever chemicals, you need to look for products that say they are PFAS-free. Removing PFOA or PFOS is not enough.

How to test your water for PFAS

You can look up your area’s water quality and see how it lives up to EWG’s standards. However, testing your water for PFAS is the only way to determine whether you and your family are at risk. You can contact your local environmental or health department to inquire about water testing services. Private laboratories also offer water testing services and provide the most accurate results.

Many whole-house water filtration dealers or well pump contractors in your area will often come test your water at your home for free or for a small service fee (as part of getting a quote for a whole house filtration system). While this can provide helpful insight into your water’s composition (checking for things like iron, fluoride, and TDS), these tests do not usually test for PFAS so make sure to ask.

Our opinion? If you’re already set on purchasing some sort of water filtration system, chances are you probably don’t need to get a test. Just make sure you invest in a system that states they remove PFAS, like a reverse osmosis water filtration system.

What is reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that effectively removes PFAS and a wide range of over 1000 contaminants from your water. This method uses high-pressure membranes and a semipermeable membrane to separate impurities from the water, providing clean and safe drinking water. It is considered one of the most efficient ways to eliminate PFAS and other harmful substances from your tap water.

Some reverse osmosis systems will also remove minerals from the water. If you’re interested in keeping the minerals, then you want to look for a system that offers remineralization, which is essentially just adding the minerals back. Minerals are essential to our diet, so if you’re not getting minerals from other sources, definitely consider adding them back into your filtered water.

The best reverse osmosis water filters

When it comes to choosing the best water filters for removing PFAS, there are several factors to consider:

1. The contaminants it filters. While PFAS is our topic here, it is not the only water contaminant. You will also want a system that can filter microorganisms, heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides and other toxic chemicals.
2. Mineralization. Does it filter out minerals? If minerals are important to you, shop for a filter that adds them back in after the filtering process.
3. Your space. Some reverse osmosis systems can be placed on your countertop or under the sink. Make sure you are measuring your space to find the one that fits best.
4. Your budget. Reverse osmosis systems are available in all types of price ranges. You’ll need to weigh the features that are most important to you, versus the price.

Here are some of our top picks. All of these offer remineralization because we do believe minerals are an important nutrient. While shopping, you may find the same brand listed but with different model numbers. This might be because some of these brands also sell versions that do not add the minerals back. So be sure to double check! The filtration systems listed here vary from $150 to $500, so you’re sure to find something that best fits your budget.

Frizzlife RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

SimPure Y7P-BW UV Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

APEC Water Systems ROES-PH75 Essence Series

Frizzlife ROK3-A Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

So does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?

Yes, you can confidently shop for a reverse osmosis system knowing that it is one of the most effective tools for removing PFAS along with over a thousand other contaminants. The dangers of PFAS cannot be understated, and taking proactive measures to protect your family’s health is of paramount importance. Consider investing in a reverse osmosis water filtration system to ensure the purity and safety of your drinking water. With the right tools and knowledge, you can help safeguard it for your loved ones.

Sources:

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).” Link
2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). “Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls.” Link
3. Environmental Working Group (EWG). “PFAS Contamination in the U.S.” Link
4. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).” Link