Detection of Frequently Harmful Chemicals in Drinking Water
Published: Thursday, Oct 12th 2023, 11:01
Mise à jour le : Vendredi, 13 octobre 2023, 14:12
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Polyfluorinated alkyl substances (Pfas) are a group of chemicals that are found in many places in groundwater. In Switzerland, they have been detected in almost half of the measuring stations. The highest concentrations were found in 2021 samples of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (Pfos). 80% of Switzerland's drinking water comes from groundwater. The main source of Pfas in groundwater is believed to be firefighting foam, which has been used on fire sites, industrial sites, tank farms and railways. Other sources include waste dumps and wastewater. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (Bafu) is currently assessing whether an action plan is needed to reduce the impact of Pfas on humans and the environment. Pfas are very stable and are not easily broken down chemically, biologically or thermally. They are used in many products such as impregnating agents, breathable rainwear, ski wax and non-stick pans due to their water and oil repellent properties. The Swiss Federal Council has already issued bans on the most commonly detected and most hazardous Pfas.
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