What are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals, with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) being the most common types. Known as “forever chemicals,” they are highly persistent and do not break down in the environment. They are widely used in numerous consumer products and industrial applications. As a result, low levels of PFAS are found in most people, wildlife, and fish.
Exposure to PFAS
Since the 1940s, PFAS have been used in many industrial and consumer products due to their unique chemical properties. Although many were phased out in the early 2000s, PFAS may still be found in products like:
- Firefighting foam
- Non-stick cookware
- Food packaging (e.g., popcorn bags, fast-food wrappers)
- Water- and stain-resistant textiles (e.g., carpets, clothing, furniture)
- Floor polishes
- Shampoos and cosmetics
PFAS enter the environment through industrial sites, landfills, and firefighting activities, contaminating soil, air, and water. Once released, they persist in groundwater, sediments, and even the air during fires. People are exposed to PFAS through contaminated food, drinking water, air, dust, and everyday products. Children may also be exposed through hand-to-mouth contact with treated textiles.
Potential health effects
The body of research to understand the adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure is still growing, and currently much is still unknown. Far more animal PFAS studies have been published than human studies, and each type of study gives us different types of information.
Evidence from human studies links PFAS with varying levels of certainty to health impacts which include lower birth weights, increased risk of renal cancer, decreased response to immunization, increased cholesterol levels and increased rate of allergic rhinitis or eczema in children.
Epidemiological data have demonstrated that elevated exposures to certain PFAS, particularly PFOS and PFOA are associated with increased liver enzymes which could indicate liver disease or damage. Further research is required to understand the adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure.
Actions to reduce exposure
General Precautions
- Check Labels: Look for and follow safety warnings. In cosmetics and drugs, ingredients like “fluoro” or “perfluoro” indicate PFAS. Most other products do not list PFAS.
- Contact Manufacturers: If unsure about PFAS in a product, contact the manufacturer directly.
Follow Local Advisories
- Drinking Water: If PFAS levels exceed Canadian guidelines (30 ng/L for total PFAS) or Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks recommendations for private wells (70 ng/L for 11 specific PFAS), consult public health for treatment advice or alternative water sources.
- Fishing: If fishing near contaminated sites, check local or provincial consumption advisories.
PFAS in Drinking Water
Higher PFAS levels may be present in freshwater and drinking water sources found near:
- Facilities that manufacture or use large amounts of PFAS
- Locations where firefighting foams containing PFAS were used
- Landfills and wastewater treatment plants
If you are concerned about PFAS in your drinking water, consider these measures to reduce exposure:
- Use an alternate source such as bottled water.
- Install a certified water treatment system designed to reduce PFAS, including:
- Activated Carbon Filtration: Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53, granular activated carbon (GAC) and block activated carbon filters effectively remove PFAS by adsorbing contaminants onto the carbon surface. These systems can be installed at the tap or main water entry point.
- Reverse Osmosis: Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, reverse osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove PFAS and are typically installed at the tap.
- Ion Exchange Systems: While not certified specifically for PFAS removal, certain models with specialized resins may be effective. Always verify product claims with the manufacturer.
Important Notes:
- Boiling water does not remove PFAS.
- Activities such as bathing, showering, or washing dishes with PFAS-contaminated water pose minimal health risks, as PFAS are not easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
- Proper maintenance and disposal: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, maintenance, and filter replacement. Check with local authorities for safe disposal of used filters and media to prevent PFAS from re-entering the environment.
Testing your water and taking the right steps can help maintain safe drinking water for your household.
Other resources:
- Public Health Ontario – Focus on PFAS
- Health Canada – PFAS
- Health Canada – PFAS in Drinking Water
- Health Canada – Objective for Canadian Drinking Water Quality PFAS
Contact us:
Healthy Environments
Phone: 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 677
Fax: 613-968-1461
Email: EHFax1@hpeph.ca
