Possible Link Between PFAS in Drinking Water and Reproductive Issues
When it comes to chemicals found in our drinking water, we all need to stay as informed as possible. According to a recent study of almost 50,000 births in the state of Minnesota, there has reportedly been a link determined between PFAS in drinking water and reproductive issues. PFAS are toxic chemicals that have been in the news for the last several years due to their harmful health impacts. Unfortunately, there have been widespread reports of PFAS-contaminated drinking water across the country. These chemicals have also been detected in the drinking water supply of major cities such as Washington, D.C, New York, and Chicago.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and chemicals in this class of over 5,000 substances are found in a number of products such as non-stick pans, waterproof jackets, grease, and stains. Even certain personal care products such as shampoo, sunscreen, eyeliner, mascara, and shaving cream have been found to contain PFAS.
One important thing to note about PFAS is that they don’t break down easily within the body and can remain in your body and the environment for decades. Because of this, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 95% of the U.S. population has PFAS currently in their bodies.
PFAS and Reproductive Issues
So, what are some of the harmful health effects associated with PFAS in drinking water? According to a peer-reviewed study that was published earlier this year in Environmental Health, scientists reported a decrease in the rate of low-weight and premature births in Oakdale, Minnesota, as well as an increase in fertility rates once the city began filtering PFAS from its tap water.
Researchers reported that between the years of 2001 and 2006, babies born in the city of Oakdale were a total of 36% more likely to be underweight and 45% more likely to be born prematurely when compared to babies born in cities where the water was not contaminated with PFAS. Further, the fertility rate of women in Oakdale was 15%-25% lower compared to the general population.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to the fact that they do not break down in the body or the environment and build up in our bodies over time. Researchers have found that even very low doses of PFAS in drinking water supplies have been linked to a series of health problems, including an increased risk of cancer, reproductive and immune response issues, reduced effectiveness of childhood vaccines, and other issues.
How to Avoid PFAS Exposure
Unfortunately, PFAS is everywhere. For this reason, it is imperative that you know how to protect yourself as much as possible in terms of exposure. To avoid PFAS exposure, you should avoid products that tout “non-stick” or “waterproof” properties, as they contain PFAS. Working proactively, you can also contact brands to tell them to stop using PFAS in their products. Just a few companies actively eliminating the use of PFAS in their products include Ikea, Crate & Barrel, and H&M.
Additionally, the use of a water filter or bottleless water system (like those at Optimum) may provide some protection against PFAS exposure. This is because bottled water coolers are open wells with no barrier to air- or waterborne bacteria and other forms of contamination, such as PFAS contamination.
Cleaner Drinking Water with Optimum
The Environmental Working Group states that the gold standard for an in-office filtration system that removes PFAS from your drinking water is a system that uses reverse osmosis filtration. Luckily for you, our bottleless water systems here at Optimum utilize state-of-the-art reverse osmosis or UF filter combination which enhances the water by providing minerals and using an advanced sanitation process. Further, our systems are eco-friendly and cost-effective. Provide safer and healthier water to your team members at work with a FREE 7-day trial of an Optimum Water Solutions system. Clearly. Pure. Water.
