How to Reduce PFOA in Your Drinking Water?

Reducing the amount of PFOA in water is an important way to protect your family's health. This man-made chemical has been linked to problems if too much gets in your body. The good news is there are easy yet effective methods to filter out PFOA.
In this Frizzlife blog post, we will be discussing those ways in detail, so without further any delay let’s get into the details.
Also, read our blog post Why Americans Should Make Use of Water Filters.

A Quick Introduction to PFOA 

stands for perfluorooctanoic acid. It's a man-made chemical that doesn't break down very easily in our environment or bodies. It has been used for many years to make non-stick cookware and stain-resistant coatings.
Some research shows that high levels of PFOA exposure over time may increase cancer risk or cause other health problems. Most people have a small amount of PFOA in their bodies from everyday things like eating food packaged in plastic.

How to Reduce PFOA in Your Drinking Water?

Install a Reverse Osmosis Filter
A reverse osmosis system works great for getting rid of PFOA. With an RO filter, the water is forced through a special membrane that acts like a sieve, trapping the tiny PFOA molecules so they can't pass through into the clean water.
RO filters remove over 90% of PFOA. All you have to do is change the filter cartridges every 6-12 months depending on how much water your household uses.

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Use Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are another highly effective choice. These filters contain carbon material that attracts and traps contaminants like PFOA. The carbon draws the molecules into its many tiny pores, safely storing the chemicals inside.
Look for a filter certified to reduce PFOA when choosing your model. Be sure to change the filter cartridge regularly, usually every 6 months, so it keeps working well. Carbon filters are very affordable to operate and maintain compared to other options.

Use Point-of-Use Filters
Point-of-use filters provide a convenient spot treatment for the water you drink directly. Options include faucet-mounted or undersink models. These work just like whole-home filters, trapping PFOA and other contaminants, but only treat the water at that single tap.
Look for filters certified for PFOA reduction when choosing the brand. Be sure to change the cartridge regularly, usually every 2-6 months, so it keeps doing its job. Point-of-use filters are simple to set up and maintain, giving you cleaner water for sipping without filtering your whole house's supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to test my water for PFOA?

Yes, there are several options for testing your water for PFOA contamination. Many municipalities regularly screen for PFOA as part of standard water quality monitoring. You can also contact your local water utility and ask for their latest testing results. Private labs like Eurofins offer PFOA water testing kits you can purchase online and send in samples yourself.
These provide accurate results within a couple of weeks. Another choice is to hire a professional water testing company to collect samples from your taps. They'll analyze the water and provide a detailed report on any contaminants found, including PFOA levels. Testing is a good way to understand your water's quality and determine if treatment may be needed.

Can boiling water reduce PFOA?

No, boiling water does not remove PFOA. This is because it is quite a stable chemical that does not break down or evaporate during boiling. The recommended approach is to opt for different filtration techniques for effective removal.
How often should I replace my filter to ensure PFOA removal?
Although, there is no fixed timeframe. But you should maintain the filter according to manufacturer guidelines.

*Your health is worth maintaining, so consider ways to enhance your water quality that fit your budget and needs.c.