You may have heard about PFAs, also known as “forever chemicals,” making headlines recently. These man-made chemicals are found in everyday items like non-stick cookware, food packaging, and even firefighting foam. Unfortunately, they’re also making their way into our water supply and, because they don’t break down naturally, they can accumulate in our bodies over time, leading to serious health issues.
But PFAs aren’t the only concern. There are several other toxic contaminants in the water we drink, shower with, and cook with that pose risks to our health. It’s important to understand how to filter these contaminants from our water, not just for drinking but also for bathing. Let me explain why.
Why PFAs and Other Toxic Contaminants Are Harmful
PFAs have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, liver damage, hormone disruption, and developmental issues in children. But beyond PFAs, there are other toxic substances often found in our water:
Chlorine and Chloramine: While used to disinfect water, they can react with organic matter to form harmful by-products like trihalomethanes (THMs). Long-term exposure to THMs is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Lead: This can leach into water from old pipes, leading to developmental delays in children and numerous health problems in adults.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Found in household chemicals, VOCs can enter the water supply and cause headaches, respiratory issues, and even liver and kidney damage.
Arsenic: A naturally occurring element that can be highly toxic and is linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Pharmaceuticals: Yes, drugs can also end up in our water. Everything from antibiotics to antidepressants has been found in water supplies. While these are present in trace amounts, the long-term effects on human health are still being studied.
The Importance of Filtering Shower and Bath Water
I often emphasise the importance of drinking clean, filtered water, but many don’t realise how essential it is to filter the water you use to shower and bathe. When you shower in unfiltered water, especially if it contains chlorine, you expose yourself to more than just water. When hot water hits your skin and starts to steam, you’re actually creating chlorine gas. Chlorine reacts with the heat and water to produce this gas, and you end up breathing it in while also absorbing chlorine through your skin.
Chlorine gas, even in small amounts, can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Over time, exposure can lead to respiratory problems and worsen conditions like asthma or bronchitis. A 2010 study found that even short-term exposure to chlorine gas can lead to lung inflammation and worsen asthma symptoms. Not only are you breathing it in, but your skin, being the body’s largest organ, absorbs these chemicals easily, especially when your pores are open from the heat.
And it’s not just chlorine—other harmful chemicals like PFAs, VOCs, and pharmaceuticals can also be absorbed through your skin during a shower or bath, adding to your toxic load without you realising it.
How to Remove PFAs and Other Contaminants from Water
So, what can you do to protect yourself from these harmful contaminants? The answer lies in choosing the right filtration system. Here’s what you need to know about the most effective methods to remove PFAs and other toxic substances from your water:
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon is great for removing PFAs, VOCs, and chlorine. It works by adsorbing the contaminants onto the carbon granules.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Reverse osmosis systems are incredibly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including PFAs, lead, arsenic, VOCs, and even pharmaceutical residues. It pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane, blocking harmful substances from passing through.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters
GAC filters are similar to standard activated carbon filters but with larger granules. They’re effective at removing large organic molecules, including PFAs, VOCs, and pesticides.
Ion Exchange Filters
While they’re great for removing heavy metals like lead and arsenic, they aren’t as effective for PFAs. These filters swap harmful ions for safer ones, such as sodium.
Distillation
Distillation works by boiling water and collecting the steam, leaving most contaminants behind. It’s highly effective at removing PFAs, heavy metals, and even pharmaceuticals.
My Recommended Water Filtration Systems
To help you choose the right system for your home, here are some of my top recommendations based on different needs and budgets*:
Whole-House Reverse Osmosis System
SHIELD Whole House Water Filter System
Best for: Comprehensive filtration for all the water in your home, including shower and bath water. Removes PFAs, lead, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Shower Filter with Activated Carbon
Tamefox water filter shower head is not only very affordable, but is equipped with a 15 stage powerful filter layer including KDF, calcium sulfite and coconut shell carbon.
Best for: Minimising chlorine, VOCs, and other contaminants that can be absorbed through your skin or inhaled as chlorine gas.
Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System
Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System with Alkaline Remineralization Filter.
Best for: Filtering 1,000+ water pollutants including common adversaries chlorine and fluoride
Countertop Water Filter
Best for: Alkaline Water Filter Dispenser is equipped with a pH001 filter. It removes unwanted particles and heavy metals while keeping in minerals
* (please always do your own research before purchasing a product)
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