Accumulate in animal tissues
They bind to proteins in blood and liver, are poorly excreted and concentrate in the food chain mainly in aquatic animals and offal. This is exactly the group EFSA monitors with the group limit of 4.4 ng/kg/week.
Transparent map of PFAS forever chemicals in drinking water across the Czech Republic. Select an area on the map or search by region.
Data source: Czech Ministry of Health
* GPS of the water supply is approximate only. We recommend searching by region and district, or by name.
* The map contains only water supply systems where Sum of 20 PFAS was measured in 2025/2026.
* Ideal values mean only the absence of these specific 20 PFAS. Some other compounds (e.g. TFA) are not yet monitored.
The EFSA TWI, US EPA MCLG and Danish limits all refer to the demonstrably harmful sum of 4 PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS).
The EU limit of 100 ng/l applies to a broader sum of 20 PFAS. However, newer studies confirm similar toxicity for other PFAS substances as well, so real health risk may be higher than these limits suggest.
PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. A group of thousands of man-made chemicals that do not break down in nature and persist in water, the food chain and our bodies for decades.
PFAS enter drinking water from several types of sources. Most contamination occurs where these substances are commonly used or where they enter wastewater without effective removal.
PFAS accumulate in the body for decades and are linked to cancer of the kidneys, testicles and breasts, liver and thyroid damage, higher cholesterol, weakened immunity and reduced fertility. Pregnant women and children are especially sensitive – PFAS cross the placenta and pass into breast milk, affecting fetal development. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified PFOA as a proven human carcinogen.
Source: European Environment Agency, Emerging chemical risks in Europe — "PFAS" eea.europa.eu
PFAS cannot be avoided entirely, but there are concrete ways to substantially reduce this chemical burden – by adjusting your diet, your household routine and your product choices.
Some foods accumulate PFAS more than others. Pay the most attention to freshwater fish from rivers and to livers of farm animals.
Look for the "PFAS-free" label and avoid products marketed as "water/oil resistant" without further specification.
Studies since 2025 suggest that oat beta-glucan – the soluble fiber from oats – may help reduce PFAS levels in the body by binding bile acids and interrupting their recycling through the gut.
Not every filtration technology is equally effective against PFAS. The type of filter and its certification are key – common jug filters and boiling water do not remove PFAS.
An overview of the effectiveness of each method by PFAS type and practical parameters for home use.
| Technology | Long-chain PFAS | Short-chain PFAS | Mineral retention | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion exchange resins (PFAS-specific) | 85–99 % | 85–99 % | Yes | Cartridge replacement by capacity |
| Activated carbon | 70–95 % | 10–50 % | Yes | Filter replacement per manufacturer |
| Reverse osmosis | 90–99 % | 90–99 % | No (only partly with remineralization) | Membrane replacement 1–2× per year |
| Standard jug filters | 0–20 % | 0–5 % | Partly (reduces calcium/magnesium) | Cartridge replacement monthly |
| Boiling water | 0 % | 0 % | Yes | – |
An under-sink filter that combines both of the most effective technologies in a single cartridge – activated carbon and ion exchange – so it covers both long- and short-chain PFAS while preserving the minerals in your water.
Activated carbon (250 g) captures microplastics and long-chain PFAS, while the anion exchange resin (70 g) also covers short-chain compounds.
Verified even on short-chain PFAS:
TFA 99.9% PFOA 60–80% PFBA 60–80%
TFA measured at a realistic concentration (160 µg/L, TZW); PFOA and PFBA at a high stress concentration (1 mg/L, CNRS/AMU).Designed and assembled in France (Lambesc, Bouches-du-Rhône). Materials in contact with drinking water are certified to NSF/ANSI 61 (health safety).
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