Forever Chemicals & Microplastics in Drinking Water – Risks, Responsibilities & Best-Practice Filtration

Commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in consumer products (to enhance non-stick coatings and waterproofing properties), and also in firefighting foams and various industrial processes.

‘Microplastics’, on the other hand, are defined as small plastic pieces that measure less than 5 mm in length. Found in personal care products, industrial abrasives, agricultural fertilizer coatings and more, they also act as absorbent surfaces that bind PFAS, pesticides, and heavy metals.

As their colloquial name suggests, PFAS are persistent. So persistent, in fact, that they sometimes make their way into drinking water supplies where they represent a threat to public health. Specifically, research has linked them to developmental effects, hormonal disruption, immune system effects, and certain cancers.

In this session of CPD Live, we examine “Forever Chemicals & Microplastics in Drinking Water” and explain the degree to which the specification of water filters can help address the issue.

Beginning, by outlining the scale and causes of the problem, our speakers then identify the regulations that apply to drinking water quality in Australia. Noting the unregulated nature of the water filter market, they outline how various types of water filters work and identify those which are most effective in this context.

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

• Define ‘forever chemicals’ and ‘microplastics’ are and explain why they can sometimes be found in drinking water
• Identify the guidelines that apply to the quality of Australian drinking water
• Outline the health and environmental risks associated with forever chemicals and microplastics
• Explain how effective the various types of water filtration systems are in terms of removing forever chemicals and microplastics

(PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PC12, PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT PC16, PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PC28)