Que sont les PFAS ?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals—over 4,700 of them—that have been widely used since the 1940s in industry, commerce, and consumer products.
Entirely man-made, these substances do not exist in nature.
PFAS are characterized by extremely strong carbon-fluorine (C–F) bonds, among the strongest in organic chemistry. This gives them great stability against heat, chemicals, and environmental degradation.
Because of this persistence, they are often called "forever chemicals."
Des polluants qui ne connaissent pas de frontières
PFAS can slowly disperse into the environment—through soil, water, or air—and settle miles from their point of origin.
A European map lists sites already confirmed as contaminated. However, much of this pollution remains invisible: analyses are expensive, and many areas have simply never been tested. What we see today is undoubtedly just the tip of the iceberg.
Quels sont les dangers des PFAS pour la santé ?
PFAS are now ubiquitous — found in the environment and in food.
The real problem is that once in the body, PFAS accumulate over time. Our bodies don't effectively eliminate them. As a result, even small, repeated exposures can lead to high levels in the blood.
Research shows that PFAS can have serious health effects. Identified risks include:
- Growth delays and developmental disorders in children
- Reduced fertility
- Disruption of the hormonal system
- Increased cholesterol
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of certain cancers
Les PFAS dans l'eau potable
Water is one of the main pathways for PFAS into the environment and, by extension, into our bodies.
PFAS dissolve in water and spread easily via rivers, groundwater, and lakes. This makes drinking water one of the primary modes of exposure for the population.
Even at low doses, regular consumption can lead to significant accumulation in the blood: it is estimated that regularly drinking water containing PFOA (a subgroup of PFAS) can lead to blood levels up to 100 times higher than those present in the water.
Aquacycle reverse osmosis systems use reverse osmosis to remove PFAS and other contaminants from your drinking water.
