As a facility manager, ensuring the safety and well-being of your building's occupants is always a top priority. One critical yet often overlooked concern is the presence of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in the environment, including the water supply. These synthetic substances, used in everything from nonstick cookware to firefighting foams, have become a growing concern due to their potential to harm human health. With new regulations on the horizon from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it's more important than ever to stay informed on PFAS, their risks, and the steps you can take to reduce exposure in your facility. This article explores what PFAS are, how they affect health, and what actions facility managers should consider as regulations evolve.
Terminology
EPA is the United States Environmental Protection Agency
PFAS are a class of over 12,000 types of synthetic chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
PFAO is perfluorooctanoic acid
PFOS is perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
NPDWR stands for National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. It creates legally enforceable primary standards and treatment techniques that apply to public water systems.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. They have been used in the manufacturing of nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil such as pizza boxes and fast food wrappers. PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals,” because they break down very slowly, and seemingly stick around “forever.” Scientists have discovered that PFAS are linked to serious health risks including cancer, infertility, high cholesterol, and other problems. (See list at the end of this article.)
PFAS are everywhere, and can be found polluting the drinking water of communities all over the country. A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey has found at least one PFAS present in 45% of tap water samples tested. The EWG, (Environmental Working Group,) has created an interactive map of the U.S. that shows the levels of PFAS found in cities and towns that have conducted PFAS testing.
In addition to drinking water contaminated with PFAS, people can be exposed to PFAS in a variety of ways including eating certain foods that contain PFAS like fish or livestock, breathing contaminated air, using products made with PFAS or packaged in material using PFAS, and other ways.
In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new health advisories to spread awareness of PFAS, and provide actionable information to lower the levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They proposed a national primary drinking water regulation (NPDWR) for forever chemicals. This regulation is not finalized yet, but is expected to be announced this year (2024). In the meantime, the EPA recommends that drinking water utilities and community leaders take steps to inform residents of PFAS levels in the water, assess the level, scope, and source of contamination, and take action to reduce exposure. Individuals concerned about levels of PFAS found in their drinking water should consider taking steps, such as installing a home or point of use filter, to reduce their exposure.
Update on April 10, 2024:
EPA Sets New Drinking Water Limits for ‘Forever Chemicals’
The federal government has finalized the first-ever National Drinking Water Standard. This new standard comes as a result of significant testing completed since 2019, where dangerous levels of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” have been found in the nation’s drinking water. These national regulations will protect Americans from these harmful chemicals.
The enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels of PFOA and PFOS will be set at 4.0 parts per trillion, individually. This standard will reduce the levels of these PFAS in our drinking water to the lowest that are feasible for effective implementation.
Drinking Fountain Filters for PFAS
Many of the major drinking fountain manufacturers are now making filter cartridges that filter two of the most prevalent PFAS found in drinking water - PFOA and PFOS. Elkay and Oasis both have come out with new filter cartridges to filter the contaminant that fit their existing filter systems. This makes upgrading your filter as easy as simply buying the new cartridge. Other manufacturers also have filter systems that filter PFAS also. Give us a call if you are looking for PFAS filters for other systems besides Elkay and Oasis. See below for links to Elkay and Oasis PFAS filters.
Elkay:
WaterSentry 71300C PFAS (PFOA/PFOS) Replacement Filter For Enhanced Bottle Fillers (Part #20339) - View Online
Oasis:
Total PFAS 041253-005 Filter Retrofit Kit (Part #22344) - View Online
Total PFAS 014668-001 Filter Cartridge (Part #22348) - View Online