German drinking water is full of forever chemicals
Forever chemicals PFAS linger in German drinking water
In a groundbreaking study published in Eco-Environment & Health, German drinking water was tested for 26 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The comprehensive study involved the analysis of 89 drinking water samples from various locations in Germany for 26 different PFAS using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The findings indicated that while the 20 recently regulated PFAS were below the detection limit, the overall concentrations varied widely, with some samples surpassing the threshold for certain PFAS.
With over 4,700 chemicals in their composition, perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals known for their persistence in humans and the environment. Termed as ‘forever chemicals’, they can lead to various health issues such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility problems, and cancer.
This study, strongly supported by residents, is a significant step in understanding PFAS presence in drinking water. The results are crucial in informing future regulatory decisions and public health guidelines, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance and stricter controls on PFAS in drinking water.
Dr. Aki Sebastian Ruhl from Berlin highlighted the importance of this study in providing a comprehensive view of PFAS distribution in drinking water across Germany and its vital role in assessing environmental and health risks.
The collaborative effort in this study has provided valuable insights into PFAS levels in German drinking water, laying the groundwork for future environmental and public health initiatives, and highlighting the necessity for further research to understand the long-term implications of PFAS in drinking water and to develop more efficient removal methods.
Readers and entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore common in-home water filters that can remove PFAS, such as activated carbon and reverse osmosis. Dual stage filters (activated carbon + reverse osmosis) are also a viable option.
Furthermore, the Israeli company Mayu has developed an innovative method to rejuvenate purified water, acknowledging the increasing contamination of tap water. Additionally, the article discusses 6 natural ways to soften hard water.
