Millions of Americans are drinking water that fails to meet the federal health standards, and you might be one of them. When some Americans drink a glass of tap water, the pollutants can be harmful as you are potentially getting a dose of contaminants that negatively affect your health.
The top pollutants in your tap water include lead, chlorine, arsenic, microplastics and PFAS chemicals. These contaminants are still found in water systems all over the U.S. today. You may already know about the first four on the list, but the main pollutant that the U.S. government is focused on battling today is PFAS.
The terrible PFAS chemical
PFAS is a man-made chemical created to infuse into nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, water-repellent clothing, and many other products that we use on a daily basis. Researchers have found a potential link between PFAS exposure and the following health problems: high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and testicular and kidney cancers. Research has also linked some PFAS to learning delays in children.
There is slightly good news as the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) announced new drinking water health advisories for PFAS and PFOS chemicals in June. “As part of a government-wide effort to confront PFAS pollution, EPA is making available $1 billion in grant funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities that are on the frontlines of PFAS contamination, the first of $5 billion through the Law that can be used to reduce PFAS in drinking water in communities facing disproportionate impacts,” states EPA on their news release.
Even though the manufacturing industry has replaced PFAS and PFOS chemicals, they are named as “forever chemicals” because they’ve already contaminated our water systems and last thousands of years.
Microplastics – the contaminant found everywhere
We also need to talk about microplastics. A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found those who drink their recommended daily intake of water from plastic bottles only, may be ingesting “an additional 90,000 microplastics annually, compared to 4000 microplastics for those who consume only tap water.” Obviously, plastic water bottles are not good for the Earth, and now we can confidently say they aren’t good for our bodies either.
While there is not enough research to understand the long-term health effects, researchers have said microplastics can lead to chemical toxicity and can damage your cells if they are small enough to enter. We can assume consuming microplastics (emphasis on the plastic) cannot be good for us and can do a lot of harm if we keep ingesting them.
What can you do?
We can’t rely on the government’s slow process of trying to make progress on improving the infiltrated water system. It’s unfortunate, but we have to take matters into our own hands, especially if our health depends on it.
Throw it out!
First, we need to replace the products that are proven harmful to our bodies. Nonstick pans and stain-resistant furniture that contain PFAS or PFOS related chemicals should be left in the past. Plastic water bottles need to be replaced with reusable water bottles made with non-toxic materials.
You might be thinking: “Wait, even though I replace all the products in my house, PFAS, microplastics, and other contaminants are found IN our drinking water!” We hear you, and this is where we come in!
Filter, filter, filter
Our mission at GOpure is to provide clean and safe drinking water that is accessible to everyone. The carbon water filters you probably have in your home right now are simple filters that only filter out large particles. Our portable water filter’s advanced technology filters out PFAS/PFOS chemicals, microplastics, fluoride, and more. The Pod’s highly porous advanced ceramic core can trap bacteria down as low as 0.22 microns in particle size. A filtrate of 0.45 microns is considered bacteriologically sterile in a laboratory setting. PFOAs are 0.5 microns. The average size of microplastics found in drinking water are 0.3 microns.
How do you know we’re the real deal? Our water purifier has the NSF Mark, which means we meet all standard requirements, including product testing and regular inspections to verify products continue to comply with the standard. We assure you that the GOpure Pod has been rigorously tested and brings you the cleanest water you’ve ever tasted.
Whether or not you think you are safe from contaminants in your water, you can never be too safe. As of June 2022, 2,858 locations in the U.S. and two territories are known to be contaminated, and that’s including most metropolitan cities! We want to make it known that the water crisis is closer to you than you think, so please protect your health by filtering your water with the GOpure Pod now.
