What are PFAS?
Introduction
Visit per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a vast group of synthetic chemicals - there are over 4,700 of them - used on a massive scale since the 1940s in industry, commerce and consumer products.
Entirely man-made, these substances do not exist in their natural state.
PFAS are characterized by extremely strong carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds, among the strongest in organic chemistry.
This makes them highly resistant to heat, chemicals and environmental degradation.
Because of this persistence, they are often nicknamed "Eternal pollutants (forever chemicals).
PFAS contamination
PFAS pollution does not come from a single source - it has many. several.
INDUSTRY
The plants released PFAS during the manufacturing process.
FOAM ANTI-FIRE
Used at airports, military bases or training centers.
EVERYDAY PRODUCTS
Non-stick pans, water-repellent textiles, food packaging.
PFAS are also travelling pollutants.
PFAS can disperse slowly into the environment - via soil, water or air - and be deposited kilometers from their point of origin.
Where?
This European map lists sites already confirmed as contaminated by PFAS. Yet much of this pollution remains invisible.
Analyses are expensive, and many areas simply don't have never been tested. What we see today is undoubtedly only the tip of the iceberg.
See the interactive map : https://foreverpollution.eu/map
What are the health risks associated with PFAS?
PFAS are now present everywhere - in the environment and in food.
The real problem is that, once inside the body, PFAS accumulate over time. Our bodies are unable to eliminate them efficiently. As a result, even repeated small exposures can lead to high blood levels.
Research shows that PFAS can have serious health effects. Among the risks identified :
Stunted growth and developmental disorders in children
Reduced fertility
Disruption of the hormonal system
Increased cholesterol
Weakening of the immune system
Increased risk of certain cancers
PFAS in water
The water is one of the main vectors of PFAS towards the environment and, by extension, towards our bodies.
PFAS dissolve in water and spread easily via the rivers, water tables and lakes. This makesdrinking water one of the main modes of exposure for the population.
Even at low doses, regular consumption can lead to the following heavy accumulation in the blood It is estimated that regular consumption of water containing PFOA (a PFAS subgroup) can lead to high blood levels. up to 100 times higher to those present in water.
What can you do about PFAS?
STAY INFORMED
The subject of PFAS will become central in the years to come. Stay alert to nearby contamination sites.
READ THE LABELS
Avoid products likely to contain PFAS (stoves, packaging, cosmetics).
FILTER YOUR WATER
Only reverse osmosis filters are effective (up to 99 % removal), even at low concentrations.
Tips & Tricks
Check out our articles and other tools to learn more about water— there's a whole world to discover.
