What do a non-stick skillet, a microwave popcorn bag, and nail polish all have in common? These items typically include PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, which are "forever chemicals" that severely threaten human health and water supplies worldwide. Breathing contaminated air and ingesting contaminated food can increase the risk of exposing yourself to PFAS. However, recent studies and research have found drinking water to be the primary cause of worry. Therefore, it is crucial to answering the question: will water filter remove PFAS?

Your drinking water may still include some toxins and pollutants that a water purification system is unable to completely remove. You may eliminate PFAS from water with the aid of a variety of water filters.

What is PFAS?

A class of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS contaminate water systems and harm human health. Even worse, PFAS are tenacious chemicals that accumulate in the environment rather than decompose.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are the two most common PFAS found globally. PFOA and PFOS have been widely used in producing many industrial and consumer products due to their exceptional ability to repel oil and water. These include fire-fighting foams, stain repellents, non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and shoes, fast food wrappers, and personal care products.

Manufacturing industry started using PFA in the 1950s. PFAS were used in goods like stainless steel pans and water-resistant coats. Later, when the demand for food delivery systems rose, PFAS were used to manufacture the takeaway containers for their non-stick properties. Many of these containers still include PFAS.

According to a study by Duke University and North Carolina State University researchers, many household filters are only partially efficient at PFAS. However, using a water filtration system is better than using none. 

How to get rid of PFAS using Water Filter?

As an ordinary homeowner, it may be difficult for you to gain all the information regarding the PFAS content in the municipal water supply. It is the onus of individual governments to disclose PFAS contamination levels to the citizens.

However, the only probable step to undertake on a personal level will be to get a water filtration system to protect your family from the harmful effects of PFAS. However, you may question whether there is any best water purifier that can effectively remove PFAS from your drinking water.

Here is a list of affordable water purifying systems that can help remove PFAS.

Filters that get rid of PFAS

1. RO Water Filters

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a public health advocacy group that has sought stricter regulation of PFAS. The EWG claims that a reverse osmosis filter, also known as a RO filter, is the industry standard for in-house filtering.

Reverse osmosis filters pressurize water across a membrane. Although they waste a lot of water — roughly three times as much water as they treat — these filters are thought to be the most efficient. Hence, these systems may need to be installed under the sink by a qualified plumber.

Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration are two examples of high-pressure membranes that have proven to be very efficient at eliminating PFAS. Nanofiltration membranes are looser than reverse osmosis membranes. The permeability of the membrane is key to this technology.

A common distinction is that a reverse osmosis membrane will vehemently reject all salts. In contrast, a nanofiltration membrane will firmly leave hardness while passing sodium chloride. It enables reverse osmosis to retain minerals while removing particles by nanofiltration.

According to research, the best RO purifier can remove various PFAS, including those with shorter chains, with an efficacy of over 90%. Approximately 80% of the water that enters the membrane passes through both types of high-pressure membranes to the affluent.

The water being treated is significantly smaller, which will cause the waste stream to be disposed of more simply with less cause for concern. RO is the best water purifier suited for a homeowner.

You can streamline your search for RO purifiers by typing “RO water near me” to get information about filtration services near you. 

Since the RO purifier price is considerably higher when compared to other water filters, you can look for more affordable options of water filters that are effective in removing PFAS.

2. Activated Carbon Filters

An activated carbon water purification machine is the second-best choice to install, similarly to a RO filter- under the sink. The most researched method of PFAS elimination is treatment with activated carbon.

In drinking water treatment systems, activated carbon is frequently used to adsorb synthetic organic pollutants, natural organic compounds, and taste and odour molecules. Adsorption is a physical and chemical process that causes substances, like PFAS, to accumulate at the boundary between liquid and solid phases.

It has a vast surface area and is very porous, making activated carbon a powerful adsorbent. Contaminants can bind to its surface. Granular activated carbon, often known as GAC, is a kind of activated carbon formed from organic sources with high carbon content, including wood, lignite, and coal.

The system and the replacement cartridges are less expensive than RO purifiers. An activated carbon filtration system can be the best water purifier under 10,000 INR. 

3. Ion Exchange Water Purifier

Resins or anion exchange therapy are further treatment options. Ion exchange resins are composed of a highly porous, polymeric substance that is insoluble in acids, bases, and water. Hydrocarbons are used to create the resin's tiny beads. Ion exchange resins fall into two broad categories: cationic and anionic.

Positively charged anion exchange resins (AER) are efficient at removing negatively charged contaminants like PFAS, while negatively charged cationic exchange resins (CER) are efficient at removing positively charged contaminants. Ion exchange water filter uses tiny resins as strong magnets that draw in and hold polluted items to prevent them from entering your water system.

4. UV Water Purifier

Some research found that UV (Ultraviolet) treatment can alone remove merely 16.8% PFAS from your drinking water. It might not be the most useful in an area with high PFAS contamination.

However, there are many other benefits of a UV filtration system. A UV water filter is more energy efficient and does not waste water. Plus, they are easy to maintain, as changing the mercury lamp can ensure good quality water for your family.

In case your mind is set, then the best UV water purifier that can ensure higher PFAS removal is the one that combines ozone with UV treatment. The research found that UV/ozone systems can remove up to 73% of PFAS from water.

Takeaway

PFAS are artificial harmful 'forever chemicals' that we are unfortunately always surround us. Not all water filters are successful in getting rid of PFAS.

Although the small number of two-stage filters examined makes it necessary for additional testing to discover why they performed well. Reverse osmosis filters and two-stage filters reduced PFAS levels, especially GenX, in water by 94% or more.

On average, PFAS pollutants were removed by activated-carbon filters at 73%, but results varied substantially. Chemicals were partially or eliminated in some instances while ultimately decreased in others.

Final Thoughts

Health risks from pollutants like PFAS make your household's water purifier system necessary. Choose water filtering systems that will effectively treat the contaminants in your area, Search for a "water purifier near me” to get the best results suited to your needs.

If you need assistance selecting the right water purifier, visit Livpure’s website to clarify all your concerns and claim the exciting offers.