A recent study by the BBC highlighted the potential threat posed to our health by toxic PFAS in UK tap water. Scientists are concerned that the allowable levels of toxic PFAS, which would not be allowed under EU regulation, are too high in our water here in the UK.
This news is timely as at Coldstream filters we consider it our duty to protect the earth’s precious groundwater on WorldWaterDay which was on 22nd March. You can read our previous blog post about groundwater and its crucial role in supporting life on our planet.
What are PFAS*?
PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. They have been used in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil.
The most commonly studied PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The next most commonly studied are perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). PFOA and PFOS have been phased out of production and use in the United States, but other countries may still manufacture and use them.
During production and use, PFAS can migrate into the soil, water, and air. Most PFAS (including PFOA and PFOS) do not breakdown, so they remain in the environment. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, PFAS are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment. Some PFAS can build up in people and animals with repeated exposure over time.
Many scientific articles have been published about PFAS exposure and health effects. While it is difficult to show that substances directly cause health conditions in humans, scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals. More research is needed to better understand the health effects of PFAS exposure.
New kinds of PFAS are being developed. Some of these may have properties similar to the existing PFAS, and some may be less persistent in the environment. There are very few scientific studies on new PFAS, so more research is necessary to discover whether they may be a health concern.
How Coldstream Filters can help remove PFAS from your drinking water?
If PFAS are on your radar, you can be rest assured that your water’s in safe hands with Coldstream. Our Coldstream MAX ceramic water purifier removes contaminants including PFAS from tap water without removing essential salts and electrolytes. It’s a safe and affordable option for UK homes, all manufactured here in the UK. One Max replacement filter costs £37 and lasts for up to 6 months. You can purchase either an undercounter system for your filter or a countertop. Undercounter systems are a more permanent solution however still easy for a professional plumber to fit in under an hour. Our countertop units can be installed in under 10 minutes directly to the kitchen tap and are favoured by customers who are after a temporary solution or tenants in a rental property.
The Coldstream MAX ceramic purifier is our highest performing filter and has 3 essential layers:
- A carbon inner core protecting against chemical contamination, including pesticides and herbicides.
- Unique ceramic outer layer providing maximum anti-bacterial protection and removing particles and microplastics.
- Blue ceramic outer layer containing antimicrobial properties helping to eradicate waterborne viruses, providing maximum protection against all water pollutants.
We hope you found this article insightful, please contact us if you have any questions regarding this topic and we will try our best to answer and help.
*Source: ASTDR, agency for toxic substances and disease registry.