PFAS are a group of about 4700 synthetic substances used as surfactants, lubricants and repellents for dust, water, and grease. They can also be found in firefighting foams, some textiles, cosmetics, and packaging materials. These man-made products pose a risk to the environment and to human health for several reasons.
À commencer par le fait que ces substances ne se désagrègent pas facilement et peuvent s’accumuler pendant très longtemps. La difficulté de remédier aux SPFA est causée par leurs fortes liaisons élémentaires de fluor et de carbone. Ces liaisons sont si fortes qu’elles rendent difficile le traitement de ces substances. Ensuite, il a été démontré que les SPFA se retrouvant dans les sols, l’eau ou l’air peuvent être absorbés par les plantes ou les animaux.
Polufluoroalkyl substances fall into several categories. Among these categories, several are already restricted from use in Canada. These include PFOS, PFOA and LC PFCAs (and their salts and precursors). In short, although many of these substances are known to be hazardous, after more than 80 years, PFASs are still allowed to be used and are being studied.
The dangers of PFAS
Since these substances present various dangers such as risks of liver damage, thyroid disease, fertility reduction, cancer proliferation, and many other types of complications.
A 2007 study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that PFAS in the blood could be detected in over 98% of the US population. Although these levels may be very low at times, over the long term, problems can be caused.
Finalement, plusieurs SPFA sont résistants à la plupart des traitements d’eau chimique. En revanche, pour la production d’eau potable, le charbon activé est très efficace contre ces contaminants.