Removing PFAS for Cleaner Water
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a group of man-made chemicals found in products like food packaging, cookware, and metal plating. Known for water and heat resistance, they persist in the environment, accumulating in humans, animals, and ecosystems, with potential long-term health risks.
Removing PFAS from water is challenging because these chemicals are designed to resist breaking down. However, several effective solutions exist, not limited to activated carbon filtering.
Terminology:
- PFAS is the broad category that includes thousands of chemicals.
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is a long-chain PFAS chemical once used in nonstick cookware (Teflon), waterproof fabrics, and firefighting foams. It has been linked to health risks and is no longer produced in many countries but still persists in the environment.
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) is another long-chain PFAS chemical used in stain repellents (like Scotchgard™), firefighting foams, and water-resistant coatings. Like PFOA, it is being phased out due to health concerns.
Potential Health Effects:
- Increased cholesterol levels.
- Immune system changes.
- Decreased fertility.
- Altered thyroid function.
- Increased risk of certain types of cancer.
- Changes in growth, learning and behavior in developing fetuses and children.
Why use activated carbon filters?
- Activated carbon, particularly granular activated carbon (GAC), has been shown to effectively remove long-chain PFAS (like PFOA and PFOS). It works by adsorbing these chemicals onto its surface, preventing them from remaining in the water.
- Compared to other filtration methods like reverse osmosis, activated carbon is relatively affordable, both in initial cost and maintenance.
- Activated carbon filters are widely available and work well when they are NSF-certified for PFAS reduction.
- Activated carbon filters work on other contaminates as well, like chlorine, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and certain pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
- Activated carbon filters are ideal for large-scale treatment. Municipal water treatment plants often use large GAC filtration systems to reduce PFAS contamination in public water supplies.
Keep in mind when using activated carbon filters:
- Activated carbon filters can be less effective on short-chain PFAS, which are often harder to remove.
- The filters require regular replacement. Once the carbon becomes saturated it can it becomes less effective in absorbing contaminants.
- Activated carbon filters may not remove 100% of PFAS, though they will significantly reduce their presence in the water.
Pollardwater has PFAS filtering activated carbon filter cartridges:
Harmsco Hurricane® PFOS/PFOA Activated Carbon Filter Cartridges
- 5, 10 and 15 GPM options available
- Designed for removal of hazardous PFOS/PFAS contaminants
- High performance carbon block
- Outer layer is 5 micron pleated Polyester-Plus™ media
- Low pressure drop design
- Used with Harmsco® Hurricane® and WaterBetter® filter housings
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Pollardwater has filter housings as well:
Harmsco Hurricane® Filter Housings
- Designed to work with PFOS/PFOA Activated Carbon Filter Cartridges
- For pre-filtration of many water treatment applications
- Cyclone separator and cartridge filter in a single design
- Patented Up-flow design to prevent air entrapment in housing
- Rotational flow flutters filter pleats for improved filtration load
- Wing nut bolts to secure lid
- Electropolished 304 stainless steel construction, 316 stainless steel is available
- Centrifugal force separates dense particals such as sand, rust, grit and fine metals
- Particals are removed through 1" drain valve providing long filter runs
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