PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) is an acronym for a group of manufactured chemicals. They are resistant to water, oil, and heat. They have been used to make a range of products such as:

  • household items
  • personal care products
  • cleaning products
  • industrial products 

Water and Soil are some primary exposure pathways for PFAS contamination.  

Recently released research by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) revealed that at least 45% of the tap water in the U.S. is contaminated by “forever chemicals”. We haven’t yet seen any similar research released in New Zealand. Boiling water does not remove the PFAS and may concentrate PFAS into some foods. Consuming foods that contain PFAS increases your overall exposure as ingestion is the primary way PFAS enter the body. Foods exposed to PFAS may be a potential health risk if eaten consistently over time.

Potential health effects are still being studied, but high exposure could have negative health effects such as:

(i) changes in liver, thyroid, and pancreatic function, and

(ii) changes to hormone levels.

Exposure levels in New Zealand are currently believed to be low. There is no consistent evidence yet that these levels of exposure are harmful to health. The advice of health officials is that there is no acute health risk, but a precautionary approach is being taken because the long-term health effects are not certain. If you have concerns about your health, you can take steps to reduce your potential exposure to PFAS. Filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes have been shown to be somewhat effective at removing PFAS from water supplies. All water treatment units require proper installation and regular maintenance to work effectively.

Because there are thousands of individual PFAS chemicals, a one-size-fits-all approach may not be possible. The demand for PFAS-filtering technology varies across different regions. Typically, these regions are characterized by either a higher concentration of forever chemicals in the drinking water or communities that exhibit greater concerns regarding human health. Like air, water is essential for life. We should not take it for granted. Developers, landlords and homeowners should not wait for new government regulations or large-scale infrastructure investments to improve the water that flows into homes, schools and businesses.

Improving poor water quality does not just improve health, it improves quality of life.