PFCs & Water Contamination in Fresno

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Water contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances, such as PFCs, in water. These substances can come from a variety of sources, including human activities such as agriculture, industry, and waste management, as well as natural sources such as minerals and bacteria.

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Contaminants In Your Water

Water contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances, such as PCF’s, in water. These substances can come from a variety of sources, including human activities such as agriculture, industry, and waste management, as well as natural sources such as minerals and bacteria. Contaminants in water can have serious health impacts, depending on the type and concentration of the contaminant, as well as the length of time a person is exposed to it. Some common examples of water contaminants include bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, heavy metals, and radiation. It is important to regularly test water sources for contaminants and to properly treat and purify water to ensure that it is safe to drink.

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The Dangers of Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs)

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including non-stick coatings for cookware, stain-resistant coatings for furniture and carpets, and water-resistant coatings for clothing and other textiles. PFCs are highly stable and resistant to degradation, which makes them effective at reducing friction and repelling water and oil. However, this same stability also means that PFCs can persist in the environment for long periods of time and accumulate in the bodies of living organisms.

There is evidence that exposure to certain PFCs can have negative health effects, including liver damage, developmental problems in fetuses and children, and increased risk of certain cancers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified some PFCs as "likely" or "suggestive" human carcinogens, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has identified some PFCs as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."

Due to concerns about their potential health effects, the use of certain PFCs has been restricted or banned in some countries. The EPA has also established health advisories for certain PFCs in drinking water. It is important to properly treat and purify water to remove PFCs and other contaminants to ensure that it is safe to drink.

The Types of Perfluorinated Chemicals

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are a group of man-made chemicals that contain fluorine atoms bonded to carbon atoms in a fully fluorinated chain. There are many different types of PFCs, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA).

Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs)

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Poly & Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)

Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs)

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Long Chain

Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)

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Short Chain

Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a perfluorochemical that is used in the manufacturing of fluoropolymers and has been found as a byproduct in their production. PFOA is persistent in the environment and has been detected in bodies of water and various land and water animals.

More info about PFOA's

Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS)

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a synthetic, fully fluorinated chemical that belongs to the family of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs). PFOS has been the subject of concern due to its potential health effects and environmental persistence.

Read more about PFOS

Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS)

PFHxS has been the subject of concern due to its potential health effects and environmental persistence. It has been linked to several health problems, including liver damage, immune system effects, and developmental effects in fetuses and breastfed infants.

PFHxS information

Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA)

PFNA has been found in the blood of humans and wildlife worldwide, and it has been detected in food, water, and air in various parts of the world. Efforts are underway to phase out the use of PFNA and other PFCs in order to reduce their environmental and health impacts.

What you need to know about PFNA

Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to follow the instructions provided carefully and to properly interpret the results of the tests. If you have any concerns about the quality of your water, it is recommended that you consult with a professional.

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The Most Common Water Contaminants

There are many potential contaminants that can be found in water, and the specific contaminants present can vary depending on the source and location of the water. Some common water contaminants include:

1

Microbiological contaminants

These are contaminants that are living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and protozoa. Microbial contaminants can cause a range of health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, infections, and respiratory illness.

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Chemical contaminants

These are contaminants that are chemical substances, such as pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, and household chemicals. Chemical contaminants can have a variety of health effects, including cancer, organ damage, and birth defects.

3

Physical contaminants

These are contaminants that can be seen or felt, such as dirt, sand, and sediment. Physical contaminants can interfere with the aesthetic quality of water, but they do not generally pose a significant health risk.

4

Radiological contaminants

These are contaminants that emit radiation, such as radon and uranium. Radiological contaminants can increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.

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Nutrient contaminants

These are contaminants that are natural substances that are necessary for plant and animal growth, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. While nutrients are not generally harmful in small amounts, excess nutrients can cause water quality problems, such as algal blooms and eutrophication.

It is important to regularly test water sources for contaminants and to properly treat and purify water to ensure that it is safe to drink.

What problems can water contaminants cause?

Water contaminants can cause a variety of problems, both to human health and to the environment. Some of the potential problems that water contaminants can cause include:

Health effects

Some water contaminants can cause health problems in humans when they are ingested or come into contact with the skin. For example, contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause infections, while chemicals such as lead and arsenic can cause neurological and developmental problems.

Environmental impacts

Water contaminants can also have negative effects on the environment. For example, excess nutrients in water (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus) can cause algal blooms, which can deplete the oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life. Contaminants such as oil and chemicals can also have toxic effects on plants and animals.

Economic impacts

Water contamination can also have economic impacts, such as by making it more expensive to treat the water for drinking or by damaging the local tourism industry if the water is not safe for recreational activities.

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