PFAS: Everything you need to know about the "eternal chemicals" in our drinking water

Imagine that every day, without even realising it, you drink water containing chemical substances that never disappear that accumulate in the environment and in your body. Sounds worrying, doesn't it? Well, it's a reality with PFASknown as "eternal chemicals.

Recently in France, PFASs have been in the news a lot, particularly after the searches carried out in april 2024 in the Lyon metropolitan area, where theArkema and Daikin were accused of massive discharges of PFAS, contaminating local drinking water. These events triggered legal proceedings and action to apply the "polluter pays" principle, aimed at repairing the affected water networks.

These substances, used in many everyday consumer productsare extremely resistant and can persist in the environment for decades, even centuries. The problem? They often end up in our drinking water, posing a number of problems. risks to our health.

In this article, we'll find out what PFAS are, where they come from and why they're such a problem. More importantly, we'll look at the ways in which we can reduce our exposure to these invisible substancesbut potentially harmful.

What is a PFAS?

Before delving into the details of their presence in our daily lives, let's start at the beginning: What exactly are PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkylated substancesThese are a large family of more than 4,700 synthetic chemical compounds. Created by man since the 1950s, they are valued for their unique properties: water resistancethe greasethe heat and stains. You could say they are the prodigies of industrial chemistry... with a dark side.

Why were they created?

PFAS were originally developed to improve the performance of many products. Need a non-stick coating for your stoves? PFAS is here. Want a mackintosh that magically repels the rain? PFAS again. Their ability to make materials more resistant has won over many industries.

The other side of the coin

However, this exceptional durability comes at a price. PFAS do not degrade naturally, which means thatthey accumulate in the environment and can enter our food chain. From studies are beginning to show that this accumulation can have very harmful effects on human health.

Now that we know what PFAS are, let's explore where they are hiding in the world. our daily life and how they can affect our drinking water.

Where can I find PFAS?

You may be asking yourself: "Where are these famous PFAS hiding in our daily lives?" The answer is simple: just about everywhere! These chemicals are so widespread that they are found in many of the objects and products we use every day, often without realising it.

In our everyday consumer products:

Non-stick frying pans Those practical pans (Tefal type) that stop your eggs sticking in the morning? They are often coated with PFAS for their exceptional non-stick properties.
Food packaging Microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and even some sandwich papers use PFAS to resist grease and heat.
Waterproof and stain-resistant clothing Your favourite rain jacket or those shoes that don't mind puddles? PFAS are used to make textiles resistant to water and stains*.
Personal care products Some make-up, toothpaste and shampoos contain PFAS to improve their texture, durability or water resistance.
There are also some in the toilet paperfire extinguishers, insulation materials, etc.

*Small grammatical break: if a spot without an accent appears, it's a bit like a little dirt on your page, whereas the spot with an accent is much more serious, it's what you need to achieve (like understanding PFAS :))! Don't mix them up, even though they're both tough to deal with 😉

In industrial applications :

Fire-fighting foam Used by firefighters to extinguish fuel fires and other difficult fires, these foams contain PFAS for their exceptional effectiveness.

Industrial coatings PFAS are used to create chemical, heat and corrosion resistant surfaces in many industries, including aerospace and automotive.

PFASs are so widespread because their unique chemical properties - heat resistance, non-stick properties and exceptional durability - make them indispensable in many products and industrial applications.

How do PFAS contaminate drinking water?

Given the ubiquitous presence of these eternal pollutants in our daily lives, it's not surprising that PFAS are also found in our drinking water. But how do these "eternal chemicals" manage to infiltrate our environment and, ultimately, our glass of water?

Sources of contamination :

Industrial waste PFAS: Plants manufacturing or using PFAS can release these substances into the environment via wastewater or leaks. These contaminants then reach rivers, lakes and groundwater.
Landfill sites Products containing PFAS often end up in landfill sites. Over time, these substances infiltrate the soil and contaminate groundwater.
Spreading sewage sludge Wastewater treatment plants do not always filter PFAS effectively. The residual sludge, used as fertiliser, spreads these substances into agricultural soils.
Use of fire-fighting foams As we have seen, the foams used to extinguish certain fires contain PFAS. During training or response operations, they can contaminate the ground and surrounding water.

The PFAS journey through the water cycle :

Let's now explore how they circulate in the environment and end up in our drinking water.

Infiltration into the ground : PFAS penetrate the soil via rain or run-off.
Groundwater contamination They reach the water tables, sources of drinking water for many communities.
Spread to waterways Contaminated groundwater feeds rivers and lakes, spreading the pollution.
Drinking water treatment: Unfortunately, treatment plants cannot always eliminate these stubborn substances, which then end up in our tap water and even in water sold in plastic bottles (which also contain microplastics!) https://lavie.bio/eau-bouteille-danger-plastique/

Examples of contamination:

Parkersburg, United States A chemical plant released PFAS for years, contaminating drinking water and affecting the health of residents. The situation even inspired the film "Dark Waters".
Vorderpfalz, Germany The use of contaminated sewage sludge has led to high levels of PFAS in local water, causing concern among local residents.
Pierre-Bénite, France April 2024, the Pierre-Bénite industrial site, operated by ArkemaThe site was raided by the authorities because of years of PFAS discharges into the environment. These releases contaminated the water and air, exposing local residents to significant health risks. The case led forty-one local authorities to lodge a complaint against Arkema for "endangering life".

The effects of PFAS on health

We have seen how PFAS are invading our daily lives and even our drinking water. This widespread presence means that we are exposed to PFAS through various routes:

Ingestion Through the water we drink and the food we eat.
Inhalation By dust or airborne particles.
Skin contact By touching products or surfaces containing PFAS.

But what exactly are the risks to our health? Hang on to your hats, because the effects of these substances are not to be taken lightly.

PFAS risks to human health :

Hormonal disorders PFAS can act as endocrine disruptors. In plain English, they interfere with our hormones, the chemical messengers that regulate everything from growth to metabolism. This can lead to hormonal imbalances with consequences for reproductive health and development.
Weakening of the immune system Studies suggest that exposure to PFAS can reduce the effectiveness of our immune system. This means that our body is less able to fight infections and respond to vaccines.
Increased risk of certain cancers Prolonged exposure to certain PFASs has been associated with an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer. Although not all the studies are unanimous, these links are sufficiently worrying to attract the attention of the health authorities.
Effects on development in children Children are particularly vulnerable. PFAS can affect cognitive and behavioural development, as well as growth. Studies have also shown a drop in birth weights in newborns exposed to PFAS.

What the scientific studies say:

Organisations such as theUS Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have conducted extensive research into PFASs. In 2016, the EPA issued a health advisory stating that prolonged exposure to certain PFASs at levels above 70 parts per trillion (ppt) in drinking water could have adverse health effects.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) also lowered the tolerable weekly exposure threshold for certain PFAS in 2020, reflecting growing concern about their effects on the immune system.

Regulations and exposure limits for PFAS

World Health Organisation (WHO)

Although the WHO has not established specific guidelines for all PFAS, it recognises the risks associated with these substances. The organisation actively encourages monitoring, research and the reduction of exposure to PFAS in order to protect public health.

European regulations

The European Union is gradually tightening its regulations on PFAS in drinking water:

Drinking water directive (2020/2184) Adopted in December 2020, this directive imposes a limit of 0.1 µg/L for the sum of 20 specific PFASs in drinking water, to be applied by 2026. The aim of this measure is to harmonise water quality standards across the Member States and ensure greater consumer protection.
Sectoral bans : Several European countries, including France, have taken steps to ban the use of PFASs in certain applications, such as food packaging and fire-fighting foams. These bans are designed to reduce the source of contamination at source.

And in France?

In France, the Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail (ANSES) recommends guide values for PFAS concentrations in drinking water in order to protect the population. These recommendations serve as a reference for water managers and local authorities.

In the end, it's clear that despite our best efforts, eliminating PFAS remains difficult because of their persistence, the high cost of filtration techniques and the need for international cooperation to find effective solutions.

Adopt effective filtration solutions to protect your health against PFAS in water

After discovering the harm caused by PFAS and their insidious presence in our environment, you're probably wondering: "What can I do to protect myself and my family?" The good news is that while it's still difficult to treat PFAS in drinking water, you do have some options. the ability to act from home using water filtration systems. Follow the guide!

1. Reverse osmosis

This technology is effective, but issues. While reverse osmosis filters can eliminate up to 99 % of PFAS, this is not without its drawbacks. impact on both water quality and the environment. and theenvironment. Because although an osmosis unit effectively eliminates contaminants from tap water, it's not the only way to remove them, it also eliminates essential minerals such as calcium and magnesiumIn addition, it discharges 60 % of water, wasting the environment.

Not to mention the high price and the need to replace filters and a non-recyclable membrane every year. We invite you to read our article Osmosis water: what is a domestic osmosis unit used for? to find out all you need to know on the subject.

2. Traditional activated carbon filters

By traditionalThese are the filters you will find in the filter jugs sold on the market. These activated carbon filters, although affordable and easy to install, offer only partial efficiency against PFAS, and only for those known as "long chain" (from 70 to 80% efficiency), leaving other contaminants potentially unfiltered, which makes them less efficient in the face of more comprehensive solutions.

3. Advanced adsorption filters

Filters with advanced adsorptionwith specific technologies against PFAS, offer superior efficiency, even against Short-chain PFASIt also guarantees a longer service life than activated carbon filters, for a more durable, high-performance solution.

For example, the Opropre by LAVIE is a filter based on coconut activated carbonA resin designed to effectively capture and eliminate PFAS.including those with short chainswhich are more difficult to remove with traditional filters. More on this below.

4. Distillation

Water distillation is an incredibly effective solution for eliminating almost all contaminants, including PFAS, chlorinated hydrocarbons and other contaminants. heavy metals and even bacteria. However, it also removes the beneficial minerals your body needs. With no filters to change, it simplifies maintenance. slow, energy-hungryAnd it requires an appliance that can take up a lot of space in your kitchen. What's more, it requires a machine that can take up a lot of space in your kitchen, it is not recommended to drink distilled water as part of a healthy diet!

Please note: Unlike distillation, simply boiling water does not work: boiling water can concentrate contaminants as the water evaporates.

5. Ion exchange resin filters

Ion exchange resin filters have significant disadvantages. In addition to the cost of installation and high maintenance, they require regular replacement of resins and the addition of salt to the water, which can cause health problems for some people and alter the quality of drinking water. What's more, they have a significant environmental impact, consuming a lot of water and energy to regenerate the resins, which makes them a less sustainable solution in the long term.

Please note: The exchange resins in water softeners have no power over Pfas, whether they are short or long chain. You can find out more about water softeners in our article : Why install a water softener?

Water filtration systems against PFAS at a glance!

Solution	Benefits	Disadvantages
Reverse osmosis	Highly effective against PFAS, filters out many other contaminants	High cost, water wastage, regular maintenance
Activated carbon filters	Effective for long-chain PFAS, easy installation, moderate cost	Less effective for short-chain PFAS, frequent filter replacement
Water distillation	Eliminates almost all contaminants, no need for filters	Slow process, high energy costs, bulky equipment and water depleted of mineral salts
Ion exchange resin filters	Effective for short- and long-chain PFAS, versatile	High economic and environmental cost, frequent replacement of resins, complexity of installation
Advanced adsorption filters	Specific technology for PFAS, longer filter life	Less available to individual consumers

As a final piece of advice, we invite you to pay close attention to the quality of the water in your region by finding out about local health checks, which are easily accessible online: Tap water quality in France: we tell you everything you need to know

Discover Opropre Turquoise: Your solution for pure, PFAS-free water

Now you know all the solutions for reducing the presence of PFAS in your tap water. Now it's time to offer you our solution, which we classify as a Advanced adsorption filtersOPROPRE Turquoise. This innovative pre-filtration system from LAVIE effectively eliminates PFAS, as well as heavy metalsthe microplastics and nanoplasticsoffering you pure water straight from your tap.

Why choose Opropre Turquoise?

Dual-action technology: It combines coconut activated carbonis recognised for its exceptional ability to adsorb a multitude of contaminants, with a specific resin which targets and eliminates PFAS and other persistent pollutants.
Easy to install : Designed to fit under your sink, everything you need is included. In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy pure, hassle-free water.
Ecological and sustainable: Its cartridge is fillable and returnable. Every six months, replace it and return the old one to us for responsible recycling, thereby minimising waste.
Certified quality : The activated carbon comes from our trusted partner Jacobi Carbons in Vierzon. Each batch is rigorously tested to guarantee optimum performance.

How does it work?

Easy to install: Connect the filter between the cold water inlet and your tap, fix it under the sink with two screws, and you're ready to go!
Two-stage filtration:
- Step 1: The water passes through activated coconut carbon, which adsorbs a wide range of contaminants thanks to its ultra-porous surface.
- Step 2: It then passes through the specific resin, which captures PFAS and other stubborn pollutants.

The benefits of Opropre Turquoise :

Sustainable performance With a quantity of activated carbon of approximately 15 times more efficient than traditional carafe filtersIt provides effective filtration for many months.
Committed to the planet By opting for returnable and recyclable cartridges, you are helping to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
Everyday simplicity Changing the cartridge is child's play, thanks to the large stainless steel ring and the tool supplied.

Together, let's take action for purer water and a future without PFAS

PFAS, these "eternal chemicalsFor a long time, these substances have circulated discreetly in our daily lives, infiltrating our products, our environment and even the water we drink, and ultimately our bodies. But now we are no longer in the dark. We know where they hide, how they affect us and, above all, what we can do about them.

The good news? By adopting effective solutions such as Opropre TurquoiseYou're protecting your health and that of your loved ones. It's not just an investment in a filtration system, it's a commitment to a healthier, more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

But we can't stop there. By raising awareness among those around us, supporting eco-responsible initiatives and making informed choices, we can collectively reduce the presence of PFAS in our environment. Every gesture counts, whether it's choosing PFAS-free products, filtering our water or supporting stricter regulations and tighter health controls on our water.

Article written on 21/10/2024 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.