What Is PFOA & How Does It Get in Drinking Water?
When you get up to pour yourself a glass of water, it is naturally expected that it is clean, sanitary, and safe to drink. However, that is not always the case. A common substance in our water supply is PFOA, which stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, which may be lurking in your home.
The long, complicated scientific name is immediately intimidating and unnerving. Concerned for your family's safety, you may go to the worst-case scenario in your head.
Fortunately, the water quality experts with Croix Crystal Water Treatment are ready to take suitable measures to keep your drinking water safe.
What Is PFOA?
As stated, PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, an artificial chemical in commercial use for nearly 80 years. Since the 1940s, it has been used for everything from stain-resistant carpet, Teflon, water-repellent clothes, ski-wax, paper, and cardboard packaging, fire-extinguishing foam, and other industrial processes. However, when the substance or item is created, PFOA burns away.
While PFOA is no longer on or in the finished product, it can live in the environment for many years. Major companies once used PFOA quite heavily only 20 years ago.
According to the Minnesota State Health Department, it is rare to see new PFOA levels going into the environment and potentially contaminating your home's drinking water. But it happens.
How Does PFOA Get Into Our Drinking Water?
PFOA is found at higher rates in the soil, air, and groundwater surrounding industrial plants, wherein PFOA was used in manufacturing processes. Detection of PFOA is more common downriver from an industrial facility with historical PFOA use or disposal.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, PFOA has been detected in "private drinking water wells and public drinking water in several parts of … (the state) at levels up to 1 µg/L."
In particular, potentially harmful levels of PFOA have been seen in the Woodbury and Lake Elmo areas.
So while you aren't likely to be actively poisoned by PFOA in water, it begs the question: Is your family's safety at risk with PFOA in the water?
Is PFOA Harmful?
So is PFOA harmful? Unfortunately, PFOA persists in the environment because it does not break down easily in soil, and because of its chemistry.
Potential health problems with exposure to PFOA in drinking water include delayed bone growth, accelerated male sexual development, a decrease in thyroid hormone levels and thyroid disease, reduced immune response, and other adverse health effects. While these were animal tests and human studies are new, it is still a frightening prospect.
What’s the Solution for PFOA Removal?
Reverse osmosis whole-home water filtration systems are said to be among the best water filtration systems for the job.
When you connect with the experts at Croix Crystal Water Treatment about PFOA removal, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your needs!
Enjoy the Benefits of Installing a Water Treatment System
Regardless of which water treatment system is suitable for your home, several essential benefits exist. If you need a few more reasons to make that final decision, consider these additional benefits of water treatment system installation!
Safer Water for Your Home or Commercial Building
A whole house or reverse osmosis water filtration system offers you the peace of mind of safe water. From softer showers to healthier meals, you can be sure that your home is free of exposure to PFOA.
Improved Taste
Stop spending money on refrigerator water filters and bottled water. With a water filtration system, water isn’t only cleaner – it tastes better.
In addition, when you invest in a water filtration system, you can drink straight from the tap without worry.
Enhanced Showers & Baths
Softened water helps you feel cleaner. You and your family will enjoy showering and bathing in purified water. Free from toxins and contaminants, you will not suffer dry skin and hair caused by hard water.
Healthier water in your home means a healthier you!
Longer Lasting Appliances & Dishware
Because there are no harmful chemicals or contaminants, filtered water is much easier on your home’s dishes and appliances. Lengthen the lifespan of your home’s critical appliances with a whole-house water treatment system.
Protect Your Family From PFOA With Croix Crystal Water Treatment
Concerned about PFOA in the water supply around your Twin Cities or Western Wisconsin home? Want to make triple sure that your family's drinking water is safe?
Speak with the water quality expert at Croix Crystal Water Treatment in Hudson, Wisconsin about water filtration systems at 715-386-8667.