THE Pfas They are now everywhere, even in the water, as highlighted by different investigations, including that of the Forever Pollution Project which has mapped thousands of areas contaminated in Europe, revealing the serious impact of these “eternal” pollutants on the environment.
Also speaking specifically of the our countrythe situation is certainly not rosy and Greenpeace has recently created the first map of the contamination from PFAS of the Italian potable waters.
Recall that prolonged exposure to PFAS and pesticides in drinking water can be dangerous for our health, increasing the risk of hormonal disorders, problems for the immune system and chronic diseases.
Despite this, significant political measures have not yet been adopted at European and national level to limit contamination. Pending concrete actions, How can we defend ourselves?
Experts of Vert, A French independent media specialized in environmental issues have examined some solutions to reduce the presence of these pollutants in drinking water.
Solutions to filter water
Different technologies can reduce the presence of pollutants in tap water, to follow the pros and cons of the most widespread.
Carbon sticks (Binshotan)
These vegetable solutions, also called Binchotan, must be put on the bottom of a classic carafe for several hours. These are vegetable charcoal produced by the carbonization of a variety of oak and traditionally used in Japan to filter the water.
The coal sticks retain only a few pesticides, but do not eliminate the PFAS.
Ceramic pearls
These small balls, made of clay, must be put on the bottom of a jug of water. The magazine 60 Millions de Consommateurs underlines that ceramic pearls are presented as enriched “With microorganisms that purify the water by breaking down the dangerous substances”They are therefore promoted as natural systems to improve water quality, but there are no scientific studies that confirm their effectiveness.
Filter carafe
The filtering carafe, in plastic or glass, use active carbon -based filters and ionic exchange resins to selectively capture the PFAS and other pollutants.
Some specific models, such as the NSF certified ones, can remove up to 96% of the PFAS, while others eliminate 50% on average. However, these filters also remove mineral salts useful for the body.
The cost of a carafe varies between 60 and 70 euros, and filters must be replaced regularly to prevent contaminating from issuing. In addition, filtered water should be consumed within 24 hours to prevent bacterial contaminations.
Filters for taps
Some filtering systems directly connect the tap -active carbon cartridges. These filters are effective in retaining long chain PFAS, such as PFOA, but they cannot filter short chain ones, such as the TFA. Furthermore, they remove most of the pesticides.
Effectiveness depends on the model, and prices vary between 50 and over 150 euros. It is important to verify that they are certified by the NSF for the elimination of the PFAS and regularly replace the filters to maintain the effectiveness.
Reverse osmosis filters
The reverse osmosis system, also used in water treatment plants, can be installed under the sink. The water is filtered through various layers of filters and then, with high pressure, passes through a very thin membrane.
This system eliminates over 90% of the PFAS and pesticides, but also removes beneficial mineral salts, such as magnesium, which must be reintegrated.
These filters cost several hundred euros and must be replaced annually. In addition, the filtered water leaves a concentrated part of polluted liquid to be disposed of, thus moving the pollution instead of eliminating it.
The most effective solution is political
The conclusion of the French experts? Domestic solutions, even the best, are not enough. The answer must come from environmental policies aimed at reducing the production and use of PFAS. In France, a bill to limit these substances is under discussion but also at European level we talk about it more and more.
Experts suggest that they intervene on an industrial level and to improve the treatment of water on a large scale, to thus guarantee access to a resource that is safer for everyone and in every part of the world.
