Understanding PFCs: The Hidden Danger in Your Water

Call Us Today for Expert PFC Water Treatment Solutions in Sheridan

PFCs are exceptionally dangerous because of their inability to break down, linking their presence to a wide range of serious health risks. However, since they are also odorless, tasteless, and invisible, most homeowners don’t realize their water is contaminated until it’s too late.

Understanding how PFCs can impact your health and discovering the most effective treatment options is crucial for safeguarding your family or employees. At Water Products and Solutions, we specialize in professional water testing and treatment products and solutions to remove harmful contaminants, giving you peace of mind. Don’t take chances with your water quality – reach out to our team today at 307-672-7606 or contact us online to discuss customized solutions that fit your needs.

What Are PFCs?

PFCs or perfluorinated chemicals, more commonly referred to as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and commercial products since their development in the 1940s. Their water- and stain-resitant properties have made them a popular addition to products like nonstick cookware, water-resitant clothing items, food packaging, firefighting foam, waterproof cosmetics, and more.

While there are certain chemicals that can degrade and break down over time, PFAS chemicals do not, giving them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Because they don’t easily break down in the environment or in the human body, they create a buildup over time that can have serious health implications. Due to their persistence and potential danger, understanding and mitigating PFCs in drinking water has become a significant focus for communities and water treatment specialists alike.

Are PFCs Harmful? What Are the Health Risks?

Yes, PFCs are harmful – especially with prolonged exposure. The accumulation of these “forever chemicals” can increase the risk for developing a range of different health concerns. Studies have shown that even low levels of PFCs in drinking water can negatively impact human health, leading to potential issues such as:

• Hormone Disruption: PFCs can interfere with the endocrine system, potentially causing thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances that affect growth, metabolism, and reproductive health.
• Increased Cancer Risk: Long-term exposure to PFCs, (particularly PFOS and PFOA), has been associated with an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers.
• Immune System Suppression: PFCs can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections and respond to vaccines effectively.
• Liver and Kidney Damage: Research indicates that PFCs can affect liver enzymes, potentially leading to liver damage and kidney dysfunction over time.
• Developmental Issues: Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to PFC exposure, which can lead to developmental delays, low birth weights, and potential learning or behavioral problems.

Because PFCs are persistent in both the environment and the human body, they can continue to pose health risks even after the initial source of exposure has been removed. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in effective water treatment solutions to protect your family’s health. If you suspect PFC contamination in your Sheridan home’s water supply, contact Water Products and Solutions at 307-672-7606 or online to discuss filtration options.

How Do I Know if I Have PFCs in My Water?

Detecting PFCs in your water can be challenging, as these chemicals are odorless, tasteless, and invisible to the naked eye. However, there are effective ways to determine if your water supply is contaminated:

• Request a Professional Water Test: The most reliable way to identify PFCs in your water is to have it professionally tested. Our professional water testing services can detect even trace amounts of PFCs, providing you with a comprehensive report on the levels present in your water.
• Check Local Water Quality Reports: Public water systems are required to test for contaminants, including PFCs, and publish their findings. You can review these reports to see if your area has reported any contamination. However, keep in mind that private wells are not monitored by these public systems, so well owners should consider independent testing.
• Be Aware of Nearby Sources of Contamination: If you live near industrial areas, military bases, airports, or landfills, your water supply may be at higher risk for PFC contamination. These locations are common sources due to the use of PFCs in firefighting foams, manufacturing processes, and waste disposal.
• Look Out for Health Advisory Alerts: In some cases, local or state health departments issue advisories if PFC levels in the area exceed recommended limits. Staying informed about these alerts can help you take action sooner.

Schedule a water test with the experts here at Water Products & Solutions to ensure your water is free from dangerous contaminants like PFCs. To learn more, give us a call at 307-672-7606 or fill out our appointment request form right here on our website.

How Do PFAS Enter a Water Source?

Because of the combination of improper disposal and widespread use of products containing these chemicals, PFAS can find its way into drinking water in several ways:

• Industrial Discharges: Manufacturing facilities that produce or use PFCs often release these chemicals into nearby rivers, lakes, and groundwater through wastewater. Industries like chemical plants, textile manufacturers, and metal plating facilities are frequent contributors.
• Landfill Leachate: Many everyday products, such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging, contain PFCs. When these items end up in landfills, rainwater can leach the chemicals out, allowing them to seep into groundwater.
• Firefighting Foam Runoff: Specialized firefighting foams, especially those used at airports and military bases, are a significant source of PFC contamination. When these foams are used or spilled, the chemicals can enter nearby soil and water systems.
• Agricultural Runoff: Biosolids from wastewater treatment plants, which may contain PFCs, are sometimes used as fertilizers on agricultural fields. Rainwater can carry these chemicals into nearby streams, rivers, and groundwater.

Because PFCs don’t break down naturally, they can persist in water sources for decades, gradually accumulating and spreading over time. That’s why testing and filtering your water supply is essential, especially in areas where contamination is known or suspected.

What Are the Best Water Treatment Systems for PFCs?

Fortunately, despite their eternal presence, there are solutions for removing perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) from a contaminated drinking supply – the specific method just depends on what product best suits your needs. Here are the most effective PFCs removal treatment options:

• Activated Carbon Filters: Using highly a highly porous carbon-based filter, these devices absorb PFC molecules and trap them as the water flows through the filter. Carbon-based filters efficiently remove several different types of PFAS chemicals (and work well with both whole-house filtration systems and point-of-use systems), but may require regular replacement to maintain effectiveness, especially in areas with high PFC levels.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks contaminants such as PFCs, while allowing only purified water to pass through. Particularly effective when combined with a GAC filter, RO water treatment systems remove up to 99% of various kinds of PFC chemicals and are an excellent treatment option to supplement a point-of-use system to ensure the highest quality drinking water.
• Ion Exchange Resins: Ion exchange systems replace harmful PFC molecules in water with harmless ions (somewhat similar to the water softening process), effectively reducing contamination levels. This solution works best with a whole-house system when combined with other technologies for comprehensive filtration and is adept at removing certain PFCs that are more challenging to filter out with carbon alone.

To effectively eliminate PFCs from your water, many experts recommend a combination of activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems for maximum filtration. If you’re unsure which solution is best for your Sheridan home of business, reach out to someone from the Water Products and Solutions team at 307-672-7606 or contact us online. We offer customized water treatment systems to ensure your family or employees have access to cleaner, safer water.

See the Signs & Treat Your Water With Our Solutions

Don’t wait until it’s too late to address PFC contamination in your water. Protecting your family’s health starts with understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to ensure your water is as clean and safe as possible. At Water Products and Solutions, we offer state-of-the-art testing and treatment systems designed to remove harmful contaminants like PFCs and give you peace of mind.

Whether you’re concerned about your current water quality or simply want to stay ahead of potential health risks, our team is here to help. Contact us today at 307-672-7606 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to safeguard your Sheridan home or business with water that’s as pure and refreshing as it should be.