Toxic Tap Water: PFOA and PFOS Contamination in Your Drinking Water

The Guardian recently reported that UK ministers are facing pressure to tighten laws on Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) in drinking water.

“research shows vast numbers of people are drinking water with levels that would be banned in the US”

What are PFOA/PFOS?

PFOA/PFOS are part of a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are synthetic, persistent chemicals, meaning that they do not break down easily in the environment, and remain in soil, water, and food for a long time. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as, “Forever chemicals”. These chemicals have been widely used for many years in a range of industrial and consumer applications, including in the production of non-stick coatings, water-resistant textiles, and firefighting foams.

Are PFOA/PFOS a problem?

Yes, PFOA/PFOS are a problem because they are toxic chemicals that can bioaccumulate in the environment and in the bodies of animals and humans, meaning that they build up over time and can reach harmful levels. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences state research has revealed possible links between PFAS and negative health outcomes, including fertility problems, altered metabolism, developmental problems in children, i.e., reduced fetal growth, increased risk of certain cancers, increased risk of being overweight, and immune system suppression. The Guardian reports environmental campaigners are calling for stricter regulations on the use of PFAS in consumer products and for more robust testing of water supplies to ensure that they are free of these chemicals. The UK currently follows the EU guidelines on the use of PFAS, but there are concerns that these guidelines may not be sufficient to protect public health.

A Poisoned Population in Chemical Crisis

Baroness Bakewell, the environment spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords stated, “It seems a nonsense that we are determined to poison the population” whilst former Green party leader Carline Lucas commented, “A cocktail of toxic persistent chemicals is polluting our rivers and seas, poisoning our water supply and posing a severe threat to human health, marine and animal life. Yet the UK’s chemical pollution limits are shamefully lagging behind international standards. The government urgently needs to get a grip on this chemical crisis and adopt far tougher regulations now.”

NSF - A high standard

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an independent, non-profit organisation that is dedicated to improving public health and safety by providing standards and certification programs for food safety and other industries. The NSF develops and publishes standards for food equipment, water quality, and food safety, and also provides certification for products that meet these standards.

94.9% PFOA/PFOS Removal from Your Tap Water

At Culligan ZeroWater, we are proud to publicise that our products are independently certified by the NSF to remove 94.9% PFOA and PFOS from your tap water, using our unique five-stage filtration process:

1. Coarse filter screen: This stage removes large particles and sediments from the water such as dust and rust
2. Foam distributor: This stage helps to distribute the water evenly across the filter, and removes additional suspended solids
3. Multi-layer activated carbon and oxidation reduction alloy: This stage removes chlorine, organic contaminants, and other impurities from the water, and helps stop bacteria from growing
4. Dual comprehensive ion exchange resin: This stage removes inorganic compounds, such as metals nonmetals and radiological contaminants from the water.
5. Ultra-fine screen and non-woven membrane layers: This stage removes any remaining particles and impurities from the water, and holds the resin in place

Our five-stage filtration process leaves you with the clearest drinking water at affordable prices, so, for peace of mind of the safety and quality of your drinking water, invest in a Culligan ZeroWater jug or dispenser today!