PFAS in drinking water: what you need to know

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have become widespread in everyday life. Found in a wide range of products such as mobile phones, kitchen utensils and cosmetics, they can quietly make their way into our homes, contaminating our water, air and, ultimately, our bodies.

But what risks do these substances pose to our health? How can they be managed and filtered from household water? In this article, we take a closer look at these so-called “forever chemicals” and what you can do to limit your exposure.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a large group of more than 4,700 man-made chemical substances. They are valued for their resistance to water, grease and stains, which explains their widespread use across many industries.

This same persistence is also what raises concern. PFAS break down extremely slowly in the environment and in the human body, which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”.

The term PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These compounds are present in many everyday products and can sometimes be detected in drinking water.

Which products contain PFAS?

PFAS are found in far more everyday items than most people realise. More than 1,400 PFAS are currently used across over 200 different applications.

Some of the main areas of use include:

• Electronics, plastics and rubber: components, cable insulation and protective parts.
• Paints and coatings: non-stick, waterproof and stain-resistant surfaces.
• Personal care and cosmetic products: creams, lotions and some makeup products.
• Pesticides: including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.
• Pharmaceutical products: such as eye drops and certain medicines.
• Printing inks: ink cartridges and toners.
• Sealants and adhesives: glues and waterproofing compounds.

In practice, these “forever chemicals” are often used during product manufacturing to improve durability, performance or resistance. Examples include:

• Smartphone screens,
• Bicycle lubricants,
• Artificial grass,
• Climbing ropes,
• Contact lenses,
• Hand sanitisers,
• Mosquito repellents,
• Dental floss,
• Non-stick cookware,
• Water-repellent outdoor jackets,
• Food packaging,
• Coatings on guitar strings and piano keys.

PFAS can also migrate from paper and plastic packaging into food, increasing overall exposure and raising concerns for public health.

How do PFAS enter mains water supplies?

Beyond the products we use, PFAS can enter the human body through food, drinking water, air and household dust. They are now detected across Europe and many cases have been reported across the UK.

Air contamination mainly results from atmospheric deposition linked to industrial activity and other sources of pollution. Below, we focus on food and drinking water.

How PFAS enter the food chain

Fish and seafood are among the main dietary sources of PFAS exposure. Elevated levels have also been found in game offal. Other foods may include meat, eggs, milk, fruit and vegetables, particularly root vegetables.

Food contamination can occur through several pathways:

• Soil and water contamination: crops absorb PFAS from contaminated soil or irrigation water.
• Bioaccumulation in animals: livestock ingest PFAS through feed and water, leading to accumulation in animal tissues and subsequent human exposure.
• Migration from packaging: certain food packaging materials can release PFAS into the food they contain.
• Contact with contaminated equipment: processing machinery and utensils may transfer PFAS to food products.

PFAS in drinking water

PFAS may be present in mains water because these substances can seep into soil, contaminate rivers and lakes, and eventually reach groundwater sources.

The extent of contamination depends on the specific PFAS involved and local soil characteristics. Longer-chain PFAS and soils rich in organic matter tend to retain these compounds more strongly.

Studies have identified PFAS in drinking water supplies in many regions worldwide, highlighting the importance of monitoring and appropriate public health safeguards.

How do PFAS affect health?

Many PFAS that have been studied show moderate to high toxicity, particularly for child development. The highest risks are associated with long-term exposure and vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and older adults.

The main health concerns identified include:

1. Reduced immune response to vaccines: PFAS exposure may weaken immune function and lower vaccine effectiveness.
2. Disruption of blood lipid levels: links have been observed between PFAS exposure and increased cholesterol.
3. Lower birth weight: studies suggest prenatal exposure may be associated with reduced birth weight.
4. Increased risk of kidney cancer: associations have been identified for certain PFAS, with ongoing research into other cancer risks.

Public health agencies have also linked PFAS exposure to liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity and fertility issues.

PFAS regulation and risk reduction

Worldwide, governments are strengthening regulations to reduce PFAS exposure and protect both public health and the environment.

In Europe and the UK, chemical regulations such as REACH and UK REACH restrict certain PFAS, including specific long-chain compounds and their use in firefighting foams. Several PFAS are now classified as substances of very high concern.

Additional international frameworks also contribute to risk reduction, including:

• the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants,
• chemical classification and labelling regulations,
• drinking water quality standards.

Managing and filtering PFAS in household water

The presence of PFAS in household water can understandably raise questions. While it is difficult to control exposure through food, air and dust, drinking water is one area where practical action can make a meaningful difference.

Checking PFAS levels in drinking water

In the UK, water suppliers publish water quality reports that include information on regulated substances. Independent laboratory testing can also provide more detailed insight where specific concerns exist.

Research teams have also developed rapid testing prototypes capable of detecting certain PFAS at very low concentrations. These tools are still evolving, but they reflect growing efforts to better understand and monitor exposure.

Effective filtration and good practice

Activated carbon filters are among the most accessible and effective options for reducing PFAS in drinking water. The filters used in Weeplow gravity-fed filtration systems can remove up to 99.999% of harmful contaminants.

There are several types of activated carbon filtration:

• Granular activated carbon filters: trap PFAS as water passes through carbon granules.
• Powdered activated carbon filters: operate on the same principle using fine carbon powder.
• Impregnated activated carbon: enhanced with compounds that attract PFAS more effectively.

To maintain performance, filters should always be replaced and maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidance.

Reducing everyday exposure to PFAS

PFAS are widely used because of their durability and resistance to water, grease and stains. While completely avoiding exposure is unrealistic, taking steps to manage drinking water can significantly reduce daily intake.

Particular care should be taken to protect more vulnerable household members, including children, pregnant women and older adults.

By improving water filtration at home, it is possible to limit ongoing exposure to these persistent chemicals. At Weeplow, we specialise in gravity-fed water filtration systems designed to support safer drinking water. Explore our online shop to find a solution suited to your household’s needs.