PFAS Are More Dangerous in Drinking Water
There is growing concern over the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and microplastics in drinking water, and for good reason. Both are contaminants that present serious challenges to human health and the environment. However, PFAS are widely regarded as more dangerous, primarily due to their chemical stability, persistence, and the wide array of health issues they are linked to. PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, from non-stick cookware and water-repellent fabrics to firefighting foams. These chemicals do not easily break down in nature or in the human body, which has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Once PFAS enter the body, they accumulate over time and can remain for years, steadily increasing their toxic burden. Research has shown that even low levels of PFAS exposure can be harmful. These chemicals have been associated with thyroid dysfunction, liver and kidney damage, increased cholesterol levels, reproductive and developmental issues, and immune system impairment. There is also strong evidence linking PFAS exposure to certain types of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer. What makes PFAS particularly insidious is that they can be found virtually everywhere—in drinking water, soil, the blood of humans and animals, and even in remote parts of the world where industrial activity is minimal.
In contrast, microplastics are small plastic particles—typically less than 5mm in size—that enter water supplies from a range of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic waste, synthetic clothing fibers, and personal care products. While microplastics can carry chemical pollutants and may cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, they generally do not bioaccumulate the way PFAS do. Most microplastics are believed to pass through the digestive system and exit the body, although some research suggests that the smallest particles may enter tissues or organs. Their long-term health impacts are still being studied, but at this time, PFAS present a clearer and more immediate threat.
Environmentally, both PFAS and microplastics contribute to widespread pollution. Microplastics are now found in oceans, rivers, and even in rainfall. They harm wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, and they have become embedded in food chains. PFAS, however, are arguably more dangerous because they contaminate groundwater and soil, affecting drinking water supplies for millions of people. Unlike microplastics, PFAS are not just pollutants—they are toxic at incredibly low concentrations and extremely difficult to remove once they’ve entered the environment.
Using Standard Carbon Filters to Remove PFAS or Microplastics
A common question among people concerned about water quality is whether household water filters—like pitcher filters or carbon-based faucet systems—can effectively remove PFAS or microplastics. The answer is: only partially. Activated carbon filters can reduce some PFAS compounds, particularly long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, by adsorbing them as water passes through. However, the effectiveness varies significantly between filter brands and designs, and they are not capable of removing all PFAS, especially the newer, shorter-chain variants that are increasingly common.
When it comes to microplastics, carbon filters offer even less protection. Some of the larger microplastic particles might get caught in the filter, depending on the pore size and structure, but many are small enough to pass right through. Because microplastics vary in size, shape, and composition, they are difficult to remove with a basic filter alone. For households relying solely on pitcher or faucet filters, the protection they provide is limited and far from comprehensive.
Using Reverse Osmosis to Remove PFAS or Microplastics
For those looking for more reliable filtration, reverse osmosis (RO) systems offer a significantly better solution. Reverse osmosis works by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane that can block particles and contaminants down to a molecular level. This method is highly effective in removing PFAS—both long-chain and short-chain compounds—as well as most microplastics.
RO systems typically include several stages of filtration. Water first passes through sediment and carbon pre-filters, which capture larger particles and some chemical contaminants. The heart of the system is the RO membrane, which removes dissolved solids, bacteria, and a wide range of chemicals, including many PFAS. The fine pore size of the RO membrane is also ideal for filtering out microplastics of various sizes, making RO one of the more effective household treatments for both classes of contaminants.
Using Distillation to Remove PFAS or Microplastics
Distillation is another powerful method for removing contaminants from drinking water, and it is especially effective against both PFAS and microplastics. In this process, water is heated to a boil, turning into steam while leaving behind most contaminants, including heavy metals, salts, and plastic particles. The steam is then condensed back into liquid form, resulting in highly purified water.
PFAS typically have higher boiling points than water and are left behind in the boiling chamber. Microplastics, being solid particles, also do not evaporate and remain in the residue that is later discarded. Some types of PFAS—particularly the more volatile ones—could theoretically vaporize and travel with the steam. This is why Pure Water Distillers are designed with an additional carbon post-filter that captures any remaining volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including certain PFAS that may slip through during distillation.
Although distillation can take a bit longer and requires electricity, it is one of the most thorough methods of water purification available. When combined with carbon filtration, it provides exceptional removal rates—up to 99.9% for a wide range of toxins and chemicals, including both PFAS and microplastics.
PFAS and Microplastics Are Not the Only Hazardous Pollutants
While PFAS and microplastics have received considerable attention, they are just two of thousands of synthetic and natural chemicals that may be present in drinking water. Industrial runoff, agricultural pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, heavy metals, and disinfection byproducts all contribute to the growing list of potential threats. Government agencies regulate a number of known contaminants, but they do not—and cannot—test for every chemical that might be present in your local water supply. Many harmful substances may go undetected or unregulated for years before action is taken.
Related: Contaminants in Water
This reality underscores the importance of having a reliable and comprehensive purification system at home. Pure Water Distillers use a combination of distillation and carbon filtration to achieve up to 99.9% removal of most contaminants. This technology gives users greater control over their water quality and helps protect their health from the wide array of pollutants that standard filters may miss.
What Else is In Your Water?
There are thousands of chemicals being used daily. Many of these are finding their way into drinking water supplies. While the government regulates some, they do not test for all of these chemicals in your water supply. While PFAS are generally more hazardous than microplastics, there are thousands of chemicals that may be more dangerous. Pure Water Distillers use distillation and carbon filtration for a 99.9% removal rate of toxins and chemicals. If you want to control your health and your water supply, you want a Pure Water Distiller!
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