Life is all about cycles of birth, growth, decline, and renewal. Things that last “forever” typically aren’t helpful or healthy and should be viewed skeptically.
Even the longest-living organisms like trees that survive for many thousands of years eventually die and decay, making way for others. It’s just natural. That’s why so-called “forever chemicals” are very concerning.
What Are PFAS?
One group of forever chemicals is called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short. These manufactured chemicals are used in many products, including clothing, cosmetics, food wrappers, non-stick cookware, and outdoor gear to name just a few.
At one time, the environmental protection agency (EPA) considered them safe at levels of 70 parts per trillion. More recently, the agency lowered the “safe” level. Today, experts essentially don’t consider any amount of PFAS acceptable. That’s problematic since these compounds don’t degrade—ever— and consequently find their way into our soil, air, water, and, of course, our bodies.
PFAS and Health
How do PFAS affect our health? Scientists aren’t sure. What they do know is 1) more than 9,000 PFAS have been identified, and 2) that most Americans have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood. One report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the number to be 97%.
Research suggests blood PFAS levels have fallen since manufacturers stop using them in consumer goods in the early 2000s. However, companies have developed new forms of PFAS, and it’s more difficult to determine exposure to them.
One health risk from PFAS being investigated is referred to as bioaccumulation. Experts believe that the human body may take in more forever chemicals than it excretes, causing the amount present to increase continually. And researchers believe PFAS may adversely affect our hormonal system, interfere with reproduction, impact the immune system, and promote the development of certain cancers, including testicular and kidney cancer.
PFAS and Drinking Water
In addition to being very-long-lasting substances, PFAS are notoriously hard to remove from the environment. Take drinking water as an example. Water filters in refrigerators or attached to faucets can remove many types of contaminants, including chlorine and heavy metals. However, they aren’t designed to catch PFAS.
As a result, many people who use filters in their home or at their business may think they’re getting “pure” water when, in fact, PFAS remain after tap water has passed through the filter. Add those PFAS to others we’re all exposed to in many ways, and you have the potential for unhealthy levels of these potentially toxic chemicals.
Eldorado Natural Spring Water: Tested and PFAS-Free
Our natural spring water starts as rain and snow that falls just east of the Continental Divide. It enters an aquifer that’s 8,000 feet below Eldorado Springs. Artesian spring pressure then forces the water up through a natural sandstone “filter” to where we collect it. Plus, the aquifer is shielded by a thick layer of clay that is impervious to groundwater.
Not surprisingly, this process produces drinking water that’s naturally free of contaminants. Of particular importance today is the fact that our water has been tested and shown to be free of forever chemicals.
We like to picture Mother Nature shaking her head, wagging her finger, and saying, “Oh, no. We’ll have none of that here!”
And that means you can nod your head and say “Yes!” to Eldorado Natural Spring water, knowing it doesn’t contain forever chemicals or any other harmful substances. What you get is thirst-quenching refreshment with natural electrolytes and award-winning taste.
