As a homeowner, you may use nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets and waterproof fabrics to make your life easier. These products are easy to clean, heat and chemical-resistant and last a long time, making them popular choices. But did you know that your nonstick pans and household products can contain PFOA? One way to ensure your home’s water is PFOA-free is to consult a water quality expert.
Understanding PFOA
PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, a man-made chemical that falls under a larger group of substances known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly resistant to breaking down.
Due to their unique qualities, PFOA has been widely used to manufacture numerous household and industrial products since the 1940s. From fast food wrappers to firefighting foam and nonstick cooking ware, all these products contain this “forever chemical.”
Despite its numerous advantages, recent research has concluded that PFOA can have serious health side effects, like liver damage, immune system issues, hormonal disruptions and more.
Apart from your body, PFOA can have negative effects on the environment. A particularly concerning fact about PFOA is its contamination of water sources. Since PFOA doesn’t naturally break down, it can leach into the soil and contaminate underground water sources.
Invest in a quality water filtration system to keep your drinking water PFOA-free. A setup that uses reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters is a great choice, as this combination is highly effective in removing PFOA. Additionally, incorporating a water softener is smart as it improves filtration efficiency. Regular testing and consulting a water expert are excellent ways to enhance your water’s safety at home and better understand why water is quality important.
What Products Are PFOA In?
Due to its unique qualities, PFOA is popular in numerous products you use every day, including the following.
Nonstick Cookware and Bakeware
PFOA was a common chemical in most nonstick cookware, particularly Teflon-coated pans and bakeware, until 2013. Although newer “PFOA-free” labels exist, older kitchenware may still release PFOA chemical traces when overheated. Older nonstick cookware included PFOA because it created a smooth, nonstick surface, making cooking and cleaning easier. Other products, such as baking mats containing PFOA, are popular since they are grease and stain-resistant.
Food Packaging and Fast Food Wrappers
If you enjoy fast food, you might consume PFOA without knowing. This is because some food packaging contains this chemical, particularly grease-resistant fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes. PFOA in these packaging creates a barrier that resists water, oil and grease, which prevents leaks and stains, keeping your food fresh and dry.
Clothing and Fabrics
PFOA is used in some fabrics and clothing to make them water or stain-resistant. Outdoor gear, waterproof jackets, carpets and furniture often contain PFOA-treated materials since they are more durable and easy to clean.
Cosmetics
Many cosmetics and personal care products, including foundation, mascara and eyeshadow, contain PFOA or related chemicals. This is because PFOA improves the durability of makeup, creating longer-lasting, water-resistant formulations.
Firefighting Foam
PFOA is an essential ingredient in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which fights flammable liquid fires involving petroleum products or chemicals. Unlike the other products mentioned, this foam contains higher levels of PFOA. This is dangerous as using this foam can cause it to leach into surrounding soil, groundwater and nearby water sources, leading to long-lasting contamination. In areas where firefighting foam is often used, there is evidence of high levels of PFOA in local water supplies, causing significant environmental concerns.
PFOAs are not restricted to manufactured goods but can also be found in the environment. Here are a few places where this chemical exists.
Indoor Dust
PFOA can accumulate in household dust, especially in homes containing items treated with PFOA, like carpets, furniture and clothing. The wind can carry this chemical and settle it as dust. While not a product, indoor dust can be a carrier for PFOA.
PFOA in Water
PFOA typically gets into drinking water sources around areas where the chemical is actively used. The primary sources of PFOA contamination include wastewater treatment plants and agricultural runoff. The contamination happens when the chemical seeps into the ground and comes into contact with ground or surface water, usually due to improper disposal or runoff.
Improving Your Home’s Water Quality
Because PFOA is found in many products and even in some water, it’s smart to take care of your home’s water quality. Start by having an expert test your water. If needed, a professional can install a water filter to help clean your water. Remember to keep the filter clean and change it regularly. Clean water not only tastes better, but it also helps reduce your exposure to PFOA.
How Can I Reduce My Exposure to PFOA?
Many people take steps to limit their exposure to PFOAs. The first step is to carefully select the products you use daily, ensuring they are PFOA-free. Ensuring your home’s water doesn’t contain traces of PFOA is a popular way to limit exposure. While PFOA is persistent in the environment, small lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk.
Choose PFOA-Free Products
One of the easiest ways to reduce exposure is by opting for PFOA-free alternatives. Many brands now offer nonstick cookware made with ceramic, stainless steel or cast iron instead of Teflon-based coatings.
When shopping for clothing and outdoor gear, look for items labeled “PFOA-free” or made with natural water-resistant materials. The same applies to cosmetics. Many brands have removed PFOA from their formulas, so checking ingredient lists and choosing clean beauty products can further limit exposure.
Reduce Household Dust
PFOA can accumulate in household dust, especially in homes with stain-resistant furniture, carpets and upholstery. Regular cleaning can help minimize your exposure to this chemical.
Vacuuming with a HEPA filter, dusting with a damp cloth and using air purifiers can reduce PFOA-laden dust. Avoiding stain-resistant treatments when purchasing furniture or carpets can also help prevent exposure.
Filter Your Drinking Water
PFOA contamination in drinking water is a concern, particularly in areas with industrial pollution or firefighting foam use. A high-quality water filtration system removes PFOA and other PFAS chemicals. Activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems and ion exchange filters can effectively reduce PFOAs.
Consult water quality specialists to help you determine the best filtration system for your home. These experts will also explain what PFAS are in water, how they contaminate drinking supplies and effective methods to remove them.
Lessen Your PFOA Exposure
Dealing with PFOA isn’t easy, but you can limit exposure by making minor lifestyle changes. Consider choosing cookware, personal care products and home furnishings that are free from PFOAs. Also, regularly clean your home to reduce household dust, which may contain PFOA. Finally, use an appropriate water filtration system to ensure your domestic water is PFOA-free.
Consult a water quality expert to tailor an effective water filtration system to help lessen your exposure to this chemical. While at it, you can also ask questions about water quality, like “Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?”
ABC Can Improve Your Water Quality
Are you concerned about the quality of your water? The professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services can help! Our water quality specialists can advise you on what system will work best for your home and install it for you.
