Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 4,700 synthetic chemicals known for their stability and persistence in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever substances." First used in the 1940s, PFAS are highly resistant to degradation, leading to their presence in the environment and potential bioaccumulation in humans and wildlife. Some well-known PFAS include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are associated with environmental and health risks.
How are people exposed to PFAS?
People are exposed to PFAS through contaminated water, food, dust, air, and everyday products such as textiles (e.g., carpets, clothing), cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and food packaging. PFAS are also found near areas where firefighting foams have been used or in landfills containing PFAS products. Due to their widespread use in industrial processes and consumer goods, PFAS have been detected globally, even in remote regions. Their slow breakdown can lead to repeated exposure and accumulation in the blood, increasing the potential for health risks.
What health concerns are associated with PFAS?
Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes, with risks depending on the type, amount, and duration of exposure. While scientists continue to study the health effects of different PFAS, animal studies have reported impacts on the liver, immune system, kidneys, reproduction, development, endocrine system, nervous system, and metabolism. Similar effects have been observed in human studies, though the clinical significance of these findings is still under investigation. Given the uncertainties, Health Canada recommends keeping PFAS concentrations as low as reasonably achievable to minimize potential risks.
Are there PFAS in drinking water?
Health Canada has recently set a new objective of a total sum below 30 ng/L for a list of 25 common PFAS found in drinking water.
Testing indicates that drinking water in PEI is typically below the current objective for PFAS.
PFAS can get into drinking water via the contamination of surface or groundwater sources. PFAS are mobile and can travel long distances through the soil, water, and air beyond the point at which they entered the environment. They are also extremely persistent, meaning PFAS do not readily break down in the environment. Therefore, the drinking water for a community could still contain PFAS even if point sources of PFAS contamination don’t currently exist in that location.
If PFAS are found above the new objective, what are the next steps?
In an abundance of caution, we are notifying affected Islanders when government testing produces results above the objective so that they are aware and can act if they choose. If your water test results in a concentration above the new objective of 30 ng/L, the first step should be to follow up with a general water chemistry test of your water supply and a PFAS resample, completed within six months, to confirm the results. We suggest consulting with the department on professional sampling services to ensure the samples are collected correctly and accurately.
Additional information on testing for general chemistry is available.
Should I take precautions if there are elevated levels of PFAS in my drinking water?
The objective is based on analytical and treatment achievability and is intended to reduce human exposure to PFAS in drinking water as low as reasonably achievable using management approaches or existing treatment methods. This in turn will lower the risk of adverse health impacts associated with exposure to PFAS.
If someone is exposed to an amount of PFAS above the objective, it does not necessarily mean that health problems will occur. Whether or not health problems develop depends on how much, how often, and for how long an individual is exposed, as well as to which PFAS an individual is exposed. Each person’s specific attributes including their age, habits, and overall health can impact how their body will react to chemical exposures.
If individuals wish to take action, the water may be treated for PFAS or an alternate source may be considered for any activity where water is ingested, including drinking, food preparation, cooking, and preparing infant formula.
How do you treat PFAS in drinking water?
PFAS can be removed from drinking water through several treatment processes, including reverse osmosis and absorbent material, such as granulated activated carbon (GAC). The department recommends using absorbent treatment systems, as no wastewater is produced from this treatment process. Homeowners should consult a reputable water treatment specialist to determine the best home equipment.
Consumers wishing to treat their drinking water should purchase devices that indicate they have been certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for Granulated Activated Carbon Filters, or NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for Reverse Osmosis systems. As with any drinking water treatment device, the effectiveness of treatment should be verified by sampling after installation. In addition, it is important to ensure the device is used and maintained according to the manufacturer’s directions and that its performance is periodically confirmed by sampling.
Where can I get more information on PFAS
Health Canada's Water talk: Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water provides additional information regarding PFAS in drinking water.