What You Need to Know About Toxins in the Water Your Drink
Forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have emerged as a concerning issue in the nation’s drinking water supply. These persistent chemicals, widely used in manufacturing, firefighting foams, and other applications, pose health risks due to their ability to accumulate in the environment and human bodies.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the issue of forever chemicals in US drinking water, explore the potential health risks of PFAS, and suggest some steps average households in the Sacramento area can take to protect their family members against this growing threat.
Understanding the Health Risks of PFAS
Forever chemicals are a group of man-made chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. This makes them useful in various industrial applications.
However, their persistence in the environment and the human body is a cause for concern. PFAS compounds have been linked to adverse human health effects, including:
- Developmental and reproductive issues
- Liver and kidney damage
- An increased risk of certain cancers
PFAS in Drinking Water
One of the primary ways these chemicals enter our lives is through drinking water. PFAS compounds can leach into water supplies from industrial sites, firefighting training areas, and even products like non-stick cookware.
In fact, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, at least 45% of the nation’s drinking water contains one or more PFAS chemicals, and there are over 12,000 types of PFAS.
Steps to Protect Your Family Against PFAS Contamination
- Stay Informed: Stay updated about local water quality reports. Public water systems are required to share information about water sources, contaminants, and potential health risks. Familiarize yourself with the quality of your drinking water.
- Choose Safe Cookware: Opt for cookware made from materials that do not contain PFAS, such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. This prevents potential contamination of your food during cooking.
- Avoid Stain and Water-Repellent Products: Be cautious with products like clothing, carpets, and furniture treated with stain or water-repellent coatings. These coatings may contain PFAS. Choose products that are labeled as PFAS-free.
- Limit Fast Food Packaging: Certain fast-food wrappers and containers are treated with PFAS to resist grease and liquids. Minimize exposure by reducing consumption of food that comes in such packaging.
- Reduce Use of Non-Stick Cookware: While convenient, non-stick cookware can release PFAS into the air when heated. Limit its use and consider safer alternatives.
- Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Properly: Avoid flushing unused medications or household chemicals down the drain. Participate in community hazardous waste disposal programs to prevent PFAS from entering the water supply.
- Support Policy Changes: Advocate for stricter regulations on PFAS usage and disposal. Encourage lawmakers to address this issue and ensure cleaner drinking water for all.
- Invest in Filtration: Finally, consider installing a water filtration system that specifically targets PFAS compounds. Look for filters that are certified to effectively remove these chemicals. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are known to be effective in PFAS removal.
Plumbing Services, Including Water Filtration, from Rapid First Plumbing
From what we’ve shared with you, hopefully, you can see that the presence of forever chemicals in US drinking water underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard our families. And while the tap water in the Sacramento area is considered safe due to the city’s extensive water treatment system, you may want to add an additional layer of protection by installing a water filtration system in your home or business.
If so, Rapid First Plumbing is the company to call. Since 1974 we’ve provided a wide range of plumbing services, including water filtration systems, to homes and commercial establishments throughout the greater Sacramento area.
For a free consultation about the installation of a water filtration system in your home or business or any of our other plumbing services, give us a call at 916-448-2672, and let’s get to work!
