Difference Between PFAS and PFOS

Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate–more commonly referred to as PFOA and PFOS, respectively–are fluorinated organic compounds that are part of larger group of compounds known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These man-made chemicals are infamous for being both water and lipid-resistant.

1. What are Pfas and PFOS used for?
2. What are PFAS and PFOA?
3. Whats is PFOS?
4. Is Teflon a Pfas?
5. Does bottled water contain Pfas?
6. Does Brita filter Pfas?
7. How do I get rid of Pfas?
8. How do I protect myself from Pfas?
9. Does boiling water get rid of Pfas?
10. What foods contain Pfas?
11. Does spring water contain Pfas?
12. Is there a blood test for Pfas?

What are Pfas and PFOS used for?

PFAS are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Fluoropolymer coatings can be used in such varied products as clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire.

What are PFAS and PFOA?

Read the latest news from EPA about PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. ... Both chemicals are very persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don't break down and they can accumulate over time.

Whats is PFOS?

PFAS chemicals are known as “forever chemicals,” a family of potentially thousands of synthetic chemicals that are extremely persistent in the environment and in our bodies. PFAS is short for perfluoroalky and polyfluoroalkyl substances and includes chemicals known as PFOS, PFOA and GenX.

Is Teflon a Pfas?

Its chemical name is polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. PTFE is one of about 4,700 compounds, according to Mulvihill, that comprise a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS.

Does bottled water contain Pfas?

Consumer Reports recently tested 47 bottled waters — including 35 noncarbonated and 12 carbonated options — and found levels of “toxic PFAS chemicals” in several popular brands that were above a limit recommended by some experts.

Does Brita filter Pfas?

Although they reduce or remove many different chemicals from tap water, Brita filters do not remove PFAs.

How do I get rid of Pfas?

Water treatment technologies that have been independently tested to show that they are capable of removing PFAS from drinking water in your home include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis (RO), and anion exchange treatment.

How do I protect myself from Pfas?

Here are some of the places where PFAS are used: Non-stick cookware (Teflon is an example)
...
Here are my top wellness tips for avoiding PFAS:

1. Choose healthy cookware. This means avoiding non-stick cookware and utensils that are likely coated with PFAS. ...
2. Cook more at home. ...
3. Filter your water. ...
4. Filter your air. ...
5. Shop smart.

Does boiling water get rid of Pfas?

You can't boil PFAS out of your water

You can boil the water to get rid of the bacteria. ... However, you can lower the levels of PFAS in the water. According to the state of Michigan, you can treat water in your home to lower the levels of PFAS in the water.

What foods contain Pfas?

Some products that may contain PFAS include:

• Some grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers.
• Nonstick cookware.
• Stain resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.
• Water resistant clothing.
• Cleaning products.

Does spring water contain Pfas?

Specifically, the study found that, of the noncarbonated waters it tested, Deer Park and Tourmaline Spring contained over 1 ppt of PFAS. “Tourmaline Spring says the amount of PFAS in its bottled water is below the levels set by the IBWA [International Bottled Water Association] and all states,” per Consumer Reports.

Is there a blood test for Pfas?

Blood tests for PFAS are most useful when they are part of a scientific investigation or a health study. A scientific investigation can show the range of blood PFAS levels in community members and may provide information on how the levels vary among different populations.