Customers often ask us for a summary to explain PFAS, after all, wouldn’t it be nice to have some basic information about PFAS and how to remediate it? Especially since there is so much coverage in the news lately. PFAS? PFOA? PFOS? If you’re like most people, you probably have no idea what those acronyms stand for until recently. Or why PFAS chemicals are cause for concern when it comes to your drinking water. We’ll explain PFAS, the concerns, and what you should do if they appear in your water supply.
PFAS…PFOS…..What you need to know
Essentially, humans have added yet another chemical into our environment, which we shouldn’t have put out there. But, unfortunately, these contaminants have been used in many everyday products for decades. Products commonly containing PFAS/PFOS include anti-stick compounds like Teflon. Products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, water-repellent fabrics, non-stick products, polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, waterproof clothing, sunscreen, shampoo, shaving cream, and even foams used in firefighting. Regrettably, it has been used for a long time in many different applications.
What do you mean when you say PFAS is a “forever” chemical?
A compounding factor is that these chemicals are known as “forever” chemicals because they don’t break down over time. Instead, they will stay in the environment or water supply for a very long time, giving us more time to take them into our bodies. PFAS stands for over 6,000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances found in more than 5,000 products. PFAS are all man-made and contain linked chains of carbon and fluorine. The problem with PFAS chemicals is they don’t break down easily. And therefore, remain in our bodies and environment for years. In addition, studies have linked PFAS to certain cancers and endocrine disruption in humans.
Will PFAS affect my health?
Most research suggests that these will cause reproductive issues, developmental problems in newborns and young children, as well as causing tumors and potentially cancer. In addition, PFAS has been linked to cancer and endocrine disruption in humans. So, your first step in protecting your family is to test your drinking water. Most importantly, if PFAS are present in your water, a specific filter system removes them from your water supply.
The new PFAS law in Maine
What is Happening? [1] On July 15, 2021, Maine adopted a law that will ban the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products. While the law takes a phased approach over the next few years, it will essentially ban the sale of new products that contain intentionally added PFAS starting January 1, 2030. In addition, Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) will be empowered to enact exemptions by designating specific uses as currently unavoidable. The law also requires manufacturers of products containing intentionally added PFAS to notify the Maine DEP of such products and uses beginning January 1, 2023. This law is a significant first step. However, homeowners with well water and municipal and private water filtration plants will need to manage the forever chemicals already out there.
How much is PFAS too much in your water?
[2] On Monday, (Governor) Mills signed a bill that would establish a limit of 20 parts per trillion for six types of PFAS in drinking water. Although not as stringent as standards adopted or under consideration in a few other states, the 20 parts per trillion level for the six compounds is significantly lower than the federal government’s current “advisory level” 70 parts per trillion for two compounds. The bill, L.D. 129, also would require all public water utilities as well as schools and daycare facilities using private wells to begin testing for PFAS by the end of next year and to take steps to remediate any elevated levels.
How do I know if I should worry about PFAS in my well water?
Testing for PFOS and PFAS is the only way to know if these contaminants are in your well water supply.
HOW FONTUS CAN HELP
FONTUS experts will provide a free immediate-response water test onsite and also (correctly) collect any state-certified samples needed for health-related contaminants. Then we send them to a state-certified Maine Lab. This test is an additional charge determined by the lab and paid to the lab. Suppose we discover your water supply does contain health-related chemicals. In that case, FONTUS will come to your home at no charge and go over the different treatment options available. We will then tailor a water treatment system for your home according to your specific needs and budget.In short, taking control of your water supply is easy. Schedule your FREE water test and consultation today. Call (207) 856-0066 or email info@fontush2o.com to speak with the water treatment specialists at FONTUS Water Treatment.
WHAT IS A FREE IMMEDIATE-RESPONSE WATER TEST?
An immediate-response water test is a test done onsite, getting your results immediately. This test allows us to determine if and what iron levels, manganese, hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and salinity are present in your water. By the end of our appointment, you’ll have all your questions answered. And, most importantly, you’ll have a plan in hand to make sure your water is clean and pure. In short, taking control of your water supply is easy. Schedule your free immediate-response water test today. Call (207) 856-0066 or email info@fontush2o.com to speak with the water treatment specialists at FONTUS Water Treatment.
YOU CAN TRUST FONTUS WATER TREATMENT TO STAY BY YOUR SIDE
At FONTUS, we’re passionate about water purity. We pride ourselves on being reliable, hassle-free, and always available. For example, as the environment and your water change, we’re here to help evaluate your water. Through testing, installation, and maintenance, you can trust FONTUS to ensure clean, pure water for your home or office.
HOW FONTUS CAN HELP
The FONTUS experts will provide a free immediate-response water test onsite for minerals. We can also correctly collect any state-certified samples needed for health-related contaminants. Then we send them to a state-certified Maine Lab for a TSFHA water test. The TSFHA Water Test will test for Coliform Bacteria & E. coli (pos/neg), Nitrate, Nitrite, Fluoride, Chloride, Hardness, Copper, Iron, pH, Manganese, Sodium, Uranium, Lead, Arsenic, and Magnesium in your water. This test is an additional charge determined by the lab and paid to the lab.In short, taking control of your water supply is easy. Schedule your free immediate-response water test today. Call (207) 856-0066 or email info@fontush2o.com to speak with the water treatment specialists at FONTUS Water Treatment.
WHAT IS A FREE IMMEDIATE-RESPONSE WATER TEST?
An immediate-response water test is a test done onsite, getting your results immediately. This test allows us to determine if and what iron levels, manganese, hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and salinity are present in your water. By the end of our appointment, you’ll have all your questions answered. And, most importantly, you’ll have a plan in hand to make sure your water is clean and pure. In short, taking control of your water supply is easy. Schedule your free immediate-response water test today. Call (207) 856-0066 or email info@fontush2o.com to speak with the water treatment specialists at FONTUS Water Treatment.
YOU CAN TRUST FONTUS WATER TREATMENT TO STAY BY YOUR SIDE
At FONTUS, we’re passionate about water purity. We pride ourselves on being reliable, hassle-free, and always available. For example, as the environment and your water change, we’re here to help evaluate your water. Through testing, installation, and maintenance, you can trust FONTUS to ensure clean, pure water for your home or office.
[1] https://www.bdlaw.com/publications/maine-adopts-broad-ban-of-pfas-containing-products/
[2] https://www.pressherald.com/2021/06/23/maine-lawmakers-enact-series-of-bills-to-tackle-forever-chemicals-pollution/