How Does the Access Filter Straw remove PFAS and PFOS from the water
What is the meaning of PFAS and can they be removed from our water?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made fluorinated substances that are extremely stable due to the strength of their chemical bonds. Their properties have led to their extensive use as surface active agents in products like stain repellents and fire-fighting foams. The two most frequently studied PFASs are perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). They are persistent and bio accumulative and are therefore expected to remain in the environment forever. There are more than 15,000 different PFAS compounds.
PFAS are generally soluble in water but can be removed from the water through a number of different treatment processes. However, depending on the location of the raw water source, PFAS may not be removed by centralised water treatment facilities, making their way into our homes and our drinking water. In these cases, it is best to remove them through an under sink filtration system or by using an Access Filter Straw when away from home.
How does the Access Filter Straw remove PFAS from the water?
The Access Filter Straw uses the mechanism of adsorption onto activated carbon to remove PFAS and other harmful contaminants. Adsorption is the adhesion of ions, molecules or atoms from a liquid (water) to a surface (carbon) and allows for the targeted removal of specific contaminants.
As the water moves through the filter, PFAS and other contaminants such as chlorine, particulates, pesticides, solvents, organic matter and many heavy metals attach to the filter media, allowing only clean, safe water to pass through and up into the straw. Each month the filter is replaced to maintain maximum filtering capacity.
Activated carbon is widely used in water treatment facilities around the world due to its superior ability to effectively and consistently remove a wide range of contaminants. The US EPA has determined activated carbon to be up to 95% effective at removing PFAS and PFOS from water.
Is the filter independently certified?
Yes, the Access Filter Straw filter is independently certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The NSF is an independent, not-for-profit , internationally recognized organisation and is a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre. NSF has been developing and maintaining international standards for water quality for over 40 years.
To be granted certification to an NSF standard, a manufacturer must pass an extensive evaluation process verifying the filter’s contaminant reduction performance, assessing the materials and structural integrity of the filter, and auditing of the production facilities. Certification provides assurance that the product meets the design, material and performance requirements of the standard.
Once certified, the manufacturer undergoes unannounced audits of their production facilities as well as a repeat of the certification process every 5 years.