You may have heard the term PFAS in the news at some point in the recent past — often in connection with contaminated drinking water or health concerns. But where exactly did these chemicals come from, what are they, and why does it seem like they’re everywhere nowadays?
First, What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — a large group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s. They’re popular because they’re incredibly resistant to heat, oil, water, and degradation. You’ll find them in products like non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, food packaging, and stain-resistant carpets. In terms of practicality, they’re awesome for manufacturers. They resist everything and make products super durable. What’s not to love about that?
That durability, though, is part of the problem.
Why Are PFAS a Concern?
PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment — or in our bodies. Over time, they can accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, including humans.
Studies have linked certain PFAS to health issues like:
- Hormonal disruptions
- Liver and kidney damage
- Immune system effects
- Developmental problems in children
- Increased risk of some cancers
Because PFAS are so widespread and persistent, governments and industries are now under pressure to clean them up — especially from water sources. In short, the chemicals that were used in so many different things for decades, are harmful to people.
Why are PFAS Everywhere?
Because PFAS have been used in so many industries for so long — and they don’t naturally break down — they’ve spread far and wide. Here’s how they commonly enter our water and environment:
- Industrial discharge: Factories that manufacture or use PFAS can release them into air, soil, and nearby water sources.
- Firefighting foam runoff: AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), used at airports, military bases, and industrial sites, contains high levels of PFAS and often seeps into groundwater.
- Landfill leachate: Everyday products treated with PFAS (like food wrappers or treated textiles) end up in landfills. Rainwater can leach PFAS out and carry them into nearby waterways.
- Wastewater treatment plants: These facilities weren’t designed to remove PFAS. When contaminated water enters the system, PFAS can pass right through and re-enter the environment.
- Atmospheric transport: Some PFAS can travel through air and settle in areas far from the original source — including remote locations.
Basically, once PFAS are released, they don’t just stay put. They travel, persist, and accumulate — which is why they’ve been found in everything from polar bears to drinking water supplies.
How Do You Remove PFAS from Water?
PFAS don’t behave like most pollutants. Their chemical makeup makes them difficult to filter out using standard water treatment processes.
Some of the most effective methods for PFAS removal include:
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): Adsorbs certain PFAS molecules.
- Ion Exchange Resins: Target and bind PFAS for removal.
- High-Pressure Membrane Systems (like Reverse Osmosis): Physically filter PFAS from water.
- Thermal destruction or advanced oxidation: Used for concentrated PFAS waste streams.
Each method has trade-offs in cost, effectiveness, and sustainability.
How Fact Helps Treat PFAS in Industrial Water
At Fact, we work directly with industries facing regulatory pressure or environmental responsibility to remove PFAS from their wastewater and process streams. Whether it’s a manufacturing facility, a chemical plant, or a landfill site, we customize treatment systems that:
- Identify which PFAS compounds are present
- Design treatment trains that may combine GAC, ion exchange, and membrane technology
- Reduce PFAS levels to meet discharge or reuse standards
- Handle waste safely, preventing re-release into the environment
Our solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all. We tailor them based on the specific PFAS profile, flow rates, and compliance goals of each client — all while keeping long-term operational costs in mind.
The Bottom Line
PFAS contamination is a growing concern, but it’s also a challenge we’re equipped to tackle. By staying informed and using advanced treatment technologies, we can protect our water systems — and public health — from these persistent pollutants.
If your facility needs help with PFAS management or compliance, Fact is here to guide you through it.