Are You Drinking “Forever Chemicals”?
Imagine filling a glass of water from your tap, thinking it’s clean and safe. But what if that water contains invisible chemicals that could stay in your body for years, potentially affecting your health? These are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals” due to their ability to persist in the environment and in our bodies.
PFAS are synthetic compounds found in a wide range of everyday products, from non-stick cookware to food packaging and even firefighting foam. Their durability makes them useful in manufacturing, but that same resilience makes them nearly impossible to break down. Over time, they accumulate in water sources, food, and even human bloodstreams, raising concerns about their impact on health.
In Malaysia and Southeast Asia, recent studies have found PFAS in tap water, groundwater, and even breast milk, sparking growing concerns about drinking water safety. But just how dangerous are these chemicals, and what can be done to remove them?
PFAS Contamination in Malaysia’s Drinking Water
While PFAS contamination is a global issue, Malaysia has seen worrying levels of these chemicals in its water supply.
A 2008 study revealed that PFOS (one type of PFAS) levels in Malaysian breast milk averaged 121 parts per trillion (ppt)—far exceeding the US State of Vermont’s drinking water health advisory limit of 20 ppt for PFAS. In some cases, PFOS levels were more than 17 times higher than the safe limit. This means that Malaysians may have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water for years without realizing it.
More recent research found traces of PFAS in tap water samples from multiple locations, including Hulu Langat, Sepang, Putrajaya, Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, and Gombak/Klang. Over 60% of the tested samples contained various PFAS compounds, including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxA—chemicals linked to severe health risks.
Despite these alarming findings, PFAS regulation in Malaysia remains minimal, leaving many households exposed to these dangerous contaminants in their drinking water.
What Are the Health Risks of PFAS?
PFAS are known to be bioaccumulative, meaning they build up in the body over time. Even low levels of exposure can lead to serious health concerns, including:
- Increased Risk of Cancer – Studies have linked long-term PFAS exposure to kidney, testicular, and liver cancer.
- Hormonal & Thyroid Disruption – PFAS can interfere with hormone production, leading to thyroid disorders and metabolic issues.
- Immune System Suppression – Research suggests that PFAS exposure can weaken the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
- Developmental Delays in Children – Prenatal and early childhood exposure to PFAS has been associated with low birth weight, learning difficulties, and developmental issues.
Unlike other contaminants that break down over time, PFAS remain in the body for years, meaning even occasional exposure can lead to long-term health consequences.
Why Boiling Water Won’t Remove PFAS
Many households rely on boiling water as a simple purification method. Unfortunately, boiling does nothing to remove PFAS. In fact, because these chemicals do not evaporate, boiling can actually increase their concentration as water levels reduce.
Since PFAS are not effectively filtered out by standard water treatment plants, they often end up in the water that flows through household taps. This means that without additional filtration, families are unknowingly consuming these harmful chemicals daily.
How Doulton Water Filters Help Remove PFAS
The safest way to reduce PFAS in drinking water is through advanced filtration technology. Doulton has developed specialized water filters designed to effectively remove PFAS, chlorine, and heavy metals, providing a safer and cleaner water supply for households.
Doulton’s PFAS-Reducing Filtration Solutions:
- PFAS & Chlorine Reduction Cartridge – Designed for Doulton's HIP DUO & TRIO under-counter filters, this cartridge significantly reduces PFAS, chlorine, and lead content in drinking water.
- Ultra Sterasyl® Filter – Removes up to 99.38% of PFAS contaminants, including PFOA and PFOS, ensuring your drinking water is free from harmful chemicals.
By investing in high-quality water filtration, you can protect your family from the dangers of PFAS exposure and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your water is clean, safe, and free from "forever chemicals."
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried About PFAS?
The presence of PFAS in Malaysia’s drinking water is a growing concern, and studies show that these chemicals are not easily removed through conventional water treatment. While regulatory action is still limited, individuals can take control of their water quality by using certified filtration systems that target PFAS contaminants.
Doulton’s advanced filtration technology offers an effective solution to remove PFAS, chlorine, heavy metals, and other harmful substances, ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water for your household.
