What Are PFOS and PFOA?
January 4, 2024

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs or “forever chemicals”) that have been widely studied and are known for their persistence in the environment. Here is a breakdown of what they are and why it is important to keep them out of your water.


PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)

PFOS was historically used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foams, textile surfaces, paper products, and as a component in some industrial processes. Studies have suggested potential health risks associated with PFOS exposure, including:


  • Development of cancer in employees or consumers[1].
  • Child development issues that could lead to legal complications for your business [2].
  • Risk of cardiovascular disease for employees and consumers [3].


Due to concerns about its environmental and health effects, PFOS has been largely phased out of production and use in the United States, though imported goods may still contain them in certain products.


PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)

PFOA was used in various applications, including the production of non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon), waterproof and stain-resistant coatings for fabrics, and in manufacturing various consumer products.


PFOA exposure has been associated with similar risks to PFOS, including cancer, heart disease, and child development issues [1][2][3]. It is also no longer used in the United States, but people can still be exposed through sources like:


  • Imported goods from unregulated countries
  • Fish and meats that were exposed prior to processing
  • Contaminated soil and water supplies


How Do I Keep These “Forever Chemicals” Out of My Business’s Water?

The EPA updated its regulations and advisories in June 2022 to include factors like lifetime exposure and ongoing research into their environmental and health effects [4]. They are currently advising areas and industries to start taking measures to bring PFOA and PFOS chemicals, among many other chemicals, to lower levels for health and safety. Their 2023 proposal to regulate forever chemicals in drinking water will ask for more rigid restrictions on chemical levels than the current Washington state action levels (SALs) [5].


Protecting your drinking and consumer product water supplies is increasingly essential for health and regulatory standards. One of your first lines of defense is your water filters and systems. A few options include reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and anion exchange. You will need to have your water tested to find the most effective measures for your site.


Sparkling Clear is Dedicated to Doing Right by You

As the science behind forever chemicals continue to evolve, we’ll keep on top of it to ensure you have the most accurate and effective solutions available to your industry. Contact us today to learn more.



References:


[1] Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), and Related Chemicals | American Cancer Society 


[2] Stübner, C., Nielsen, C., Jakobsson, K., Gillberg, C., & Miniscalco, C. (2023). Early-life exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and child language and communication development: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7170. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20247170


[3] Ding, N., Karvonen-Gutierrez, C. A., Mukherjee, B., Calafat, A. M., Harlow, S. D., & Park, S. K. (2022). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and incident hypertension in multi-racial/ethnic women: The study of women’s Health Across the Nation. Hypertension, 79(8), 1876–1886. https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18809


[4] https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-and-pfos


[5] https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/331-718.pdf


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The Hidden Link Between Water Quality and Energy Efficiency

By Keith Adams • October 3, 2024
The Hidden Link Between Water Quality and Energy Efficiency

Self-Cleaning Strainers and How They Work

July 24, 2024
Self-cleaning strainers offer an efficient and continuous way to remove debris and contaminants from fluid systems without the need for manual intervention. In this blog, we’ll discuss what self-cleaning filters are, how they work, and their various benefits in industrial filtration. What Are Self-Cleaning Filters?  Automatic self-cleaning strainers keep industrial process systems free of contaminants and debris as with traditional strainers and filters. What makes self-cleaning strainers unique is how they clean themselves without shutdowns and manual intervention. In most self-cleaning strainer designs, liquid enters the strainer from the bottom, flows upward through a filtering system, and exits as clean fluid. Any debris caught by the filter is pushed to a collection area. When the system detects a buildup of pressure, it opens a flush valve to remove the collected debris. The most common mechanisms you will see in a self-cleaning strainer include: Backwashing . The flow of the liquid is reversed to send a portion back through the filter. This dislodges trapped debris so that it can be directed to the collection area. Mechanical Scraping . Uses blades to physically scrape t he filter surface. Continuous Flushing . A bypass stream continuously dislodges and carries away contaminants while the main fluid passes through the strainer s . Ultrasonic Cleaning . Uses high-frequency vibrations to break apart and dislodge stubborn debris so that it can continue to the collection area. The longer a filter can go without shutdowns for cleaning and repairs, the greater the savings lost production. Benefits of Automatic Self-Cleaning Strainers The advantages of using a self-cleaning strainer are not limited to productivity and reduced downtime. Other benefits include: Consistent performance in flow rate and purity Prevents damage and repairs due to clogs in the filter Protects downstream equipment from damage due to clogs and impurities Is a Self-Cleaning Strainer Right for my Filtration Needs? Every work sight and process is unique, so what works perfectly at one site may not work well at another. This holds true with self-cleaning strainers as well. Before you invest in a self-cleaning strainer, you should discuss your needs with one of SCI’s knowledgeable employees. They will help you navigate factors to consider. This includes factors such as maximum flow rate, pressure, strainer mesh sizing and material compatibility to ensure the strainer will not corrode on contact with the fluid. Let Sparking Clear Help You Find the Best Filtration System For Your process. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We’ve Got You Covered

Why Use Membranes?

July 16, 2024
At Sparkling Clear, we understand the importance of using membrane cartridges for filtration. The pore structure of our membrane cartridges ensures extremely high retention efficiency and consistent effluent quality. This capability to capture and retain very small particulates and organisms instills a high degree of confidence that your product will be clean and safe for use. The consistent pore structure of our membranes also allows for straightforward testing, helping both manufacturers and users to understand and communicate the expected performance of the cartridge in various applications. This is why membrane filters are typically employed in scenarios where the removal of submicronic contaminants is crucial. It is important to note that membrane filters are generally used in the final stages of a filtration process. To ensure the longevity and efficiency of the membrane cartridge, it is essential to protect it with prefilters. This protection prevents premature fouling and maximizes the economic value of the system. Applications that Usually Require Membranes: Submicronic particulate removal Removal of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.) Applications requiring sterility (liquid or gas) Endotoxin removal Haze removal (typically caused by high concentrations of particles at or below 0.45 microns) Choose Sparkling Clear for your membrane filtration needs to ensure the highest quality and safety of your products.
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