Do the Black Berkey® elements remove PFAS and other PFC from drinking water?

Information about PFAS: An Overview
PFAS, a type of toxic chemical found in consumer products, has been in the news a lot lately.

Recently, Consumer Reports conducted a study of 47 bottles of water and found concentrations of PFAS that exceeded recommended levels by some experts. The state of Michigan recently implemented some of the strictest standards in the country for PFAS limits in public water sources, and Minnesota officials are considering a $700 million project to address PFAS in drinking water in Washington County.

What are PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1950s. There are over 5,000 known types, and they are commonly found in products that most people use every day: food packaging (think take-out pizza or burgers), household products such as non-stick cookware, detergents and paints, personal care products (shampoo, dental floss), cosmetics, and so on. They are also found in industrial products including medical devices, insect repellents, printer and copier parts, and so on.

What is the difference between PFC, PFAS, PFOA and PFOS?
The abbreviations for these chemicals look very similar and can be confusing. Here are some key points to help you understand them better:

  • PFC is the name for a large family of chemicals known as “perfluorinated chemicals.” The PFC family includes:
    • PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
    • PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)
    • Other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
  • The difference between different PFCs is mainly determined by the length of the chain (the number of carbon atoms in their chemical structure).
  • There are two main groups of PFCs: long chain and short chain.
    • Long-chain PFCs , such as PFOA and PFOS, contain eight or more carbon atoms, are highly persistent in the environment and have well-documented health risks.
    • Short-chain PFCs contain seven or fewer carbon atoms, are less persistent, but their toxicity and effects have not been thoroughly studied.
  • PFOA and PFOS are two of the most studied long-chain PFCs.

Are PFCs such as PFAS, PFOA and PFOS harmful to humans?
While PFCs may seem to offer benefits (such as making carpets water-repellent and ensuring your grilled cheese sandwich doesn’t stick to the pan), there is a worrying potential downside to their production and use. PFCs are often referred to as “forever chemicals,” and for good reason.

PFCs are extremely resistant to degradation when exposed to air, water, sunlight, acid, or other forces. They can remain in the environment and in the human body for very long periods of time. In fact, it can take up to four years for the levels of PFAS and PFOA in your body to decrease by half, even if you no longer inhale or consume them. Long-term exposure and accumulation of PFCs in your body can pose serious health risks.

PFCs are common in the modern world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they are detectable in the blood of 98% of Americans. PFCs can enter your body through the air, your food, or by drinking contaminated water. The chemicals primarily leave the body through urine.

What are the health risks of PFCs?
Human studies show that some PFCs may be associated with several health problems, such as:

  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Liver damage
  • Delay in fetal and childhood development, including changes in growth, learning, and behavior
  • Prostate cancer, kidney cancer and testicular cancer

Although the production of many PFCs has been gradually reduced in recent years, they are still present in the environment, often on (or in) many of the objects we have in our homes. New short-chain PFCs have been developed to replace their predecessors, but they too break down slowly in the environment and raise similar health concerns as the long-chain PFCs.

Protect your drinking water from PFCs
Perfluorinated chemicals will continue to pose a threat to health and the environment. The best defense against these substances in your drinking water is to implement a filtration system, such as a Berkey® gravity water filter with powerful filters that have been independently tested to remove perfluorinated chemicals to below the limit of detection.

Authentic Black Berkey® elements have undergone rigorous third-party testing to detect perfluorinated chemicals in water so you can drink with confidence. View test results for PFC removal by Black Berkey® elements.

Learn more
For a more in-depth look at PFCs, their health risks, and tips for reducing your exposure, read our article: Black Berkey® Elements: The Ultimate Barrier Against PFOA and Other PFCs in Drinking Water .

The authentic Black Berkey® elements are the right choice for your loved ones.
Available in 7 different sizes, Berkey® water filter systems are designed for extreme conditions, but also perfect for everyday use. The powerful Black Berkey® elements easily filter tap water and other freshwater sources.

Back to blog