In recent years, people have become increasingly concerned about a variety of environmental threats to health and safety. At the top of the list for many is the potential for contaminants in the air and in the water supply. Fortunately, nearly all developed areas have water treatment processes in place to assure an ample supply of safe drinking water.
There are, however, growing concerns about Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), and other manufactured chemicals grouped into a category known as PFAS, which have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. Soon the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be moving forward with proposing a PFAS National Drinking Water Regulation aimed at confronting the risks of these chemicals.
What Are PFAS And How Are They Used?
PFAS chemicals have been used in industry and consumer products for decades because of their ability to repel substances and make our day-to-day lives easier. Some examples include imparting anti-stick properties to cookware and making clothing stain resistant. There are a multitude of different PFAS, some of which have been more widely used and researched than others. PFOA and PFOS, two of the most widely used and studied chemicals in the PFAS group, have now been replaced with other PFAS in the United States.
According to the EPA, PFAS can be present in our water, soil, air, and food as well as in materials found in our homes or workplaces, including:
- Drinking Water
- Food / Food Packaging
- Household Products
- Personal Care Products
- Fire Extinguishing Foam
- Soil and Water (at or near waste sites)
- Areas Surrounding Manufacturing or Chemical Production Facilities
Of particular concern in terms of PFAS is the fact that many break down very slowly and can build up in humans, animals, and the environment over time. They are being coined “forever” chemicals, meaning there is no known way to naturally break down or rid this chemical once it has been introduced to our bodies.
Mitigating Potential Water Safety Risks
The EPA reports that studies to determine how varying levels of exposure to different PFAS can affect health are ongoing. Research is also underway to better understand the health effects associated with low levels of exposure to PFAS over long periods of time, particularly in children. In the meantime, homeowners who are concerned with drinking water contaminants will find a solution in the Hague’s ONE™ cartridge filter.
The ONE™ cartridge filter is effectively a hybrid between two types of filters. Similar to small, under-sink cartridge filters, it has a replaceable filter cartridge. But it also filters at the point of entry, like the larger filter tanks that treat all the water in the home.
ONE™ Cartridge Filter System Features:
- Certified contaminant reduction cartridge reduces lead, PFOA/PFOS, and cysts
- Primary whole house filtration
- Polishing filter
- Taste and odor reduction
- Particulate filtration
- Extended life between cartridge changes
- Reduced pressure drop and high flow rate capabilities
When dealing with water contaminants that may affect your health, it is important to consider a filter that is certified to reduce that problem. At EPA Water Consultants, we are proud to offer this option that has been tested and proven by industry standards for PFAS reduction.
Comparable in size to a whole-home water filter system, the ONE™ cartridge filter is installed where water enters the home. Unlike other whole-home filters, this system features an easily replaceable filter cartridge.
Different filter types allow owners to pick the level of filtration their water needs, like PFOA/PFOS filters, carbon block filters, double-pleated paper, and string wound/melt-blown filter cartridges. The replaceable cartridge filters last a long time and help provide your whole home with quality water.
Ready to enjoy the confidence of safer, clean-tasting water for your whole household? Contact the experts at EPA Water Consultants! We are your Greater Philadelphia area Hague dealer providing service in towns like Macungie, Malvern and Morrisville, PA.
EPA Water Consultants works with homeowners, home builders and businesses for years throughout Pennsylvania to solve multiple water-related problems. Each install is completed by an EPA Water employee as if it was our home – no subcontractors! With our 100% water quality guarantee, EPA Water Consultants will provide the best water available to you and your home or business!