Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were first introduced in the 1940s. These synthetic chemicals were initially used in manufacturing processes for their unique ability to resist water, heat, and grease. PFAS became key ingredients in a wide variety of products, such as non-stick cookware (Teflon), firefighting foam, food packaging, and water-resistant fabrics.

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During the mid-20th century, PFAS production expanded dramatically. Large corporations began to use these chemicals in everyday consumer products and industrial applications. Unfortunately, the environmental persistence of PFAS wasn’t recognized until much later. PFAS chemicals became widespread in air, soil, and water due to their inability to break down naturally. By the 1980s, scientists began to understand the potential health risks linked to these chemicals.

In the 1990s, growing research revealed alarming health concerns associated with PFAS exposure. Studies linked PFAS to several adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancers, liver damage, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in children. Despite this knowledge, the chemicals continued to be widely used, largely due to their effectiveness in commercial and industrial products.

By the early 2000s, public and regulatory attention began to focus on PFAS contamination. Major chemical manufacturers voluntarily agreed to phase out certain types of PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, due to their particularly harmful nature. However, these chemicals were replaced with similar compounds that still posed significant health risks, allowing PFAS contamination to persist globally.

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Today, PFAS are found in the water supply of many communities worldwide, including Miami-Dade. Because they do not break down, PFAS are commonly referred to as "Forever Chemicals." They remain in the environment, accumulating in soil and water, and they can build up in the human body over time, leading to serious health problems. Municipal water systems, especially in larger cities, often report elevated levels of PFAS, making it a growing concern for public health.

PFAS earned their nickname because of their inability to degrade under typical environmental conditions. These chemicals stay in the environment and the human body indefinitely unless specifically filtered out, which poses long-term risks to health and the ecosystem. This persistence is why advanced filtration systems are now essential for homes, particularly in areas affected by PFAS contamination.

With the rise of PFAS awareness, it's more important than ever to protect your household from these dangerous chemicals. Traditional water filtration methods, such as pitcher filters and refrigerator systems, are not effective against PFAS. Advanced whole-home filtration systems like our Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems, which are NSF-certified for contaminant reduction, provide comprehensive protection. These systems filter out harmful chemicals like PFAS, heavy metals, and other contaminants that pose a threat to your family’s health.

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1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Basic Information on PFAS.” EPA, 2022.
   https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Factsheet.” CDC, 2020.
   https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html

3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). “PFAS and Your Health.” ATSDR, 2021.
   https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html

4. Grandjean, Philippe. “Delayed Discovery, Dissemination, and Detriment: A History of Eight Decades of PFAS Exposure.” Environmental Science & Technology, 2021.
   https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.1c03451

5. Kwiatkowski, Carol F., et al. “Scientific Basis for Managing PFAS as a Chemical Class.” Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 2020.
   https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00255

6. Ewg.org. "PFAS Contamination in the U.S." Environmental Working Group, 2023.
   https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/

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