PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances refer to a type of organofluorine synthetic chemical compounds containing an alkyl chain connected to several fluorine atoms. There are almost 4730 types of PFASs, and they are all labeled as persistent organic pollutants or “forever chemicals.” These chemical compounds have given birth to health and environmental concerns and have been long since banned. However, traces of them are still found in our water supplies. Thus, PFAS water treatment is being performed to help remove these last traces.

Wish to know more about the effects of the PFAS? Then read on to know more about their effects on our health and the environment. Let’s get started.

Effects Of PFAS

  • Health Concerns

Initially, PFAS were regarded as safe chemicals and thus were used in various regions. However, after 4-5 years, it was found that they accumulate in humans, causing adverse health issues. Here are some of the ways our health can get affected by the Forever Chemical –

  • It leads to hypercholesterolemia or an increase in LDL and total cholesterol levels. This occurs due to the increase in the PFOS levels. 
  • Both humans and animals suffer from inflammatory and immune responses when exposed to PFAS. Specifically, there is an alarming rise in antinuclear antibodies with a decrease in C-reactive protein, IgA, and IgE (in women). 
  • Studies have also shown that exposure to these harmful chemicals also results in hypothyroidism. This refers to an abnormality in the thyroid levels in humans. It reduces the activation and production of thyroid hormones.
  • Studies have also shown that PFASs have a significant relation with pancreatic acinar cell tumors, Leydig cell tumors in the testis, and liver adenomas. 
  • These chemicals have a significant effect on pregnancy-induced pre-eclampsia and hypertension.
  • It lowers human fertility. 

Thus you can understand why there is widespread PFAS water treatment around the world – we need to get rid of these chemicals before they damage our health.

  • Environmental Concerns

As we discussed before, PFAS has been dubbed as “forever chemicals” and persistent organic pollutants due to their ability to persist in the environment for a long time. These chemicals are highly toxic and are present in the blood of most wildlife and human populations. 

According to studies, these chemicals are present in the air and water, causing widespread air and water pollution. This is extremely harmful to the environment. It is also actively affecting and increasing global warming in our environment. 

PFAS also gets transmitted to marine organisms and accumulates in their liver. This, in turn, leads to high levels of trophic in the marine animals, causing diseases and illnesses.

Conclusion

Thus we can conclude that PFAS is a very harmful chemical for both our bodies and the environment. If you feel that the water supply at your home, office, or agricultural site is contaminated with this chemical, get hold of a reliable company like Membrane Systems  to help you get rid of them. Head over to their website today!