Last July, Forbes reported that nearly half of U.S. tap water contains PFAs, also known as “forever chemicals,” which are hazardous to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency recently released new standards in response to this issue, sparking concerns about the safety of household water supplies. Rachel Hodgdon, CEO of the International WELL Building Institute, has been advocating for water quality for years and emphasizes the significant impact of PFAs on human health due to their persistent presence in materials, drinking water, and the air. These chemicals do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body, potentially causing severe health issues.
Research conducted by the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Individualized Medicine indicates that exposure to chemicals like PFAs can interfere with biological processes such as inflammation, aging, and carcinogenesis. While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these interactions, the risk is believed to be highest for infants and children. The recent release of new standards by the EPA is seen as a significant step forward in protecting the health of around 100 million Americans. The standards set legally enforceable levels of PFAs in drinking water, with public water systems required to monitor and reduce PFAs levels over the coming years.
The importance of using home water filters to reduce PFAs levels in drinking water is emphasized by experts in the field. The EPA has issued a fact sheet recommending the use of activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems that are certified to remove PFAs. Third-party certifications from organizations like IAPMO are crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of these filters. Updates to existing water filter testing standards may be necessary to meet the new EPA requirements, and consumers are urged to be vigilant in selecting certified filtration products to protect their health.
The increased awareness of water contamination risks and the new EPA standards are expected to prompt more people to install water filtration systems in their homes. While infrastructure changes will take time, immediate actions such as installing certified water filters can have a positive impact on health. The concern for water quality has shifted from environmentalism to mainstream wellness, leading to the development of built-in water filtration products from major manufacturers. This shift presents opportunities for innovation and cost savings as companies compete to provide safe and effective filtration solutions.
The issue of water quality has been a longstanding concern, with major events such as the Flint water crisis and the pandemic highlighting the importance of clean water for health. The focus on mainstream wellness and the development of new filtration products indicate a growing awareness of the impact of water quality on human health. As the public becomes more informed about the risks of drinking water contamination, the demand for reliable water filtration solutions is expected to increase, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for individuals and communities.