PFAS
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that are known for their non-stick properties. They are used in a wide range of consumer products, including waterproof clothing, furniture, cookware, electronics, food packaging, and firefighting foams. PFAS do not break down easily and as a result are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time. PFAS have a wide range of harmful health effects, and are now being found in the US watersupply nationwide.
Why test your water for PFAS?
The importance of testing your home’s water for PFAS cannot be overstated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently established enforceable limits for two such substances, PFOA and PFOS, at a mere 4 parts per trillion (ppt). To put this into perspective, this limit is more than1000 times less than the enforceable limit set for lead, which stands at 5000 ppt.
These two compounds, PFOA and PFOS, are not just ordinary substances. There is compelling evidence to suggest that they are carcinogenic, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer. Moreover, they bioaccumulate in the body, which means they build up over time, potentially leading to significant health issues.
What’s more alarming is that an estimated 6-10% of public water systems are currently exceeding this limit. Despite this, public water systems are not required to notify consumers of PFAS exceedances until 2027. This means that without testing, you could unknowingly be consuming water with high levels of these harmful substances.
It’s also important to note that boiling your water does not eliminate PFAS. And if you’re thinking bottled water is a safer option, think again. Currently, there are no regulations in place for PFAS in bottled water.
In light of these facts, it becomes clear that testing your water for PFAS is not just a precaution, but a necessity for ensuring the health and safety of your household. Don’t wait until 2027 for a notification that may come too late. Take action now and ensure your water is safe from these potentially harmful substances.
Agra PFAS Videos
Our PFAS Testing
On our state of the art equipment, we can test for 18 different types of PFAS compounds including all those state and federally regulated for drinking water. The analytical process involves concentrating a 250ml sample down to 1 ml over the course of 6 hours then running the concentrate through a powerful analytical instrument (LC/MS-MS). This technique gives us a very accurate picture of the PFAS compounds in your water.