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Not all types of in-home water filters completely get rid of toxic PFAS-News-The Fayetteville Observer-Fayetteville,NC The conclusion is that "their effectiveness varied widely," said Heather Stapleton, an associate professor of Environmental Health at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment and a lead researcher in the study. Reverse osmosis works best Stapleton said the study,published Wednesday in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that reverse osmosis filters work best. They reduced GenX and other PFAS by 94 percent or more, according to a news release provided to reporters from across the state who attended a panel discussion at Duke University titled "Safeguarding the Water We Drink: Understanding the Science Behind Emerging Threats to N.C.'s Drinking Water." Activated carbon filters, such as those found in refrigerators and pitcher-style filtration systems, on average removed 73 percent of PFAS contaminants,but the results varied widely. "In some cases, the chemicals were completely removed; in other cases they were not reduced at all," according to the release. "Researchers saw no clear trends between removal efficiency and filter brand, age or source water chemical levels. Changing out filters regularly is probably a very good idea, nonetheless." In contrast to reverse osmosis filters, Stapleton said in the release, "the effectiveness of activated-carbon filters used in many pitcher, countertop, refrigerator and faucet-mounted styles was inconsistent and unpredictable. The whole house systems were also widely variable and in some cases actually increased PFAS levels in the water." N.C. first to study filters' effectiveness The study was the first to examine the efficiency of filtration devices in removing a slate of PFAS in homes. Its authors said the discrepancies in effectiveness and cost may make it harder for people concerned about the contaminants in their drinking water to know which system best suits their needs and budgets. "The under-sink reverse osmosis filter is the most efficient system for removing both the PFAS contaminants prevalent in central N.C. and PFEAs, including GenX, found in Wilmington," Detlef Knappe, an N.C. State professor, said in the release. "Unfortunately, they also cost much more than other point-of-use filters. "This raises concerns about environmental justice, since PFAS pollution affects more households that struggle financially than those that do not." Knappe, a co-author of the study, called home filters "a stop-gap" measure. https://www.fayobserver.com/news/20200205/not-all-types-of-in-home-water-filters-completely-get-rid-of-toxic-pfas[2/6/2020 11:49:44 AM]