Have you ever used a non-stick frying pan or other Teflon products? Teflon is a very useful product due to its slippery surface and chemical inertness making it great for cooking, industrial production, and waterproof clothing. However, before 2015, many companies used PFOA to produce Teflon products allowing the chemical to find its way into water and food alike.
What is PFOA?
PFOA is a man-made chemical used in industrial production because of its water and lipid resistance. It is supposed to aid to the process of producing chemicals known as fluorotelomers. During production, PFOA is burned off leaving Teflon products PFOA free. The problem is that this chemical, when released, can find its way into bodies of water or food sources near industrial plants.
Dangers of PFOA
Since PFOA has managed to infiltrate itself into our environment does it pose any health risks? Most people if not everyone have low levels of PFOA due to its prominent presence and long-lasting lifespan. However, those who are near industrial plants or in areas with PFOA contaminated water have greater health risks. A high concentration of PFOA has been found to induce tumors in test animals and a higher risk of cancer has been correlated with plant workers. There are many other defects and illnesses that may be a result of this chemical, but the most disturbing is its possible interference with fetus development. Pregnant or breast-feeding mothers may be at a greater risk when drinking PFOA contaminated water.
Solutions
With the rise of hysteria surrounding PFOA and the many potential health risks, what can possibly be done about it? Water trapped PFOAs can be filtered out by a reverse osmosis filtration system. If your area or tap water has been compromised by PFOA installing a reverse osmosis filtration system would be a wise decision.
Martin Water Conditioning
Martin Water Conditioning can perform specialty tests to detect PFOAs. We offer well-crafted K5 reverse osmosis systems as well which can cleanse any water sources that may be contaminated with the nasty substance. We would be happy to serve you in any way!