What Are PFOS and PFOA?
January 4, 2024

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs or “forever chemicals”) that have been widely studied and are known for their persistence in the environment. Here is a breakdown of what they are and why it is important to keep them out of your water.


PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)

PFOS was historically used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foams, textile surfaces, paper products, and as a component in some industrial processes. Studies have suggested potential health risks associated with PFOS exposure, including:


  • Development of cancer in employees or consumers[1].
  • Child development issues that could lead to legal complications for your business [2].
  • Risk of cardiovascular disease for employees and consumers [3].


Due to concerns about its environmental and health effects, PFOS has been largely phased out of production and use in the United States, though imported goods may still contain them in certain products.


PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)

PFOA was used in various applications, including the production of non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon), waterproof and stain-resistant coatings for fabrics, and in manufacturing various consumer products.


PFOA exposure has been associated with similar risks to PFOS, including cancer, heart disease, and child development issues [1][2][3]. It is also no longer used in the United States, but people can still be exposed through sources like:


  • Imported goods from unregulated countries
  • Fish and meats that were exposed prior to processing
  • Contaminated soil and water supplies


How Do I Keep These “Forever Chemicals” Out of My Business’s Water?

The EPA updated its regulations and advisories in June 2022 to include factors like lifetime exposure and ongoing research into their environmental and health effects [4]. They are currently advising areas and industries to start taking measures to bring PFOA and PFOS chemicals, among many other chemicals, to lower levels for health and safety. Their 2023 proposal to regulate forever chemicals in drinking water will ask for more rigid restrictions on chemical levels than the current Washington state action levels (SALs) [5].


Protecting your drinking and consumer product water supplies is increasingly essential for health and regulatory standards. One of your first lines of defense is your water filters and systems. A few options include reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and anion exchange. You will need to have your water tested to find the most effective measures for your site.


Sparkling Clear is Dedicated to Doing Right by You

As the science behind forever chemicals continue to evolve, we’ll keep on top of it to ensure you have the most accurate and effective solutions available to your industry. Contact us today to learn more.



References:


[1] Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), and Related Chemicals | American Cancer Society 


[2] Stübner, C., Nielsen, C., Jakobsson, K., Gillberg, C., & Miniscalco, C. (2023). Early-life exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and child language and communication development: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7170. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20247170


[3] Ding, N., Karvonen-Gutierrez, C. A., Mukherjee, B., Calafat, A. M., Harlow, S. D., & Park, S. K. (2022). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and incident hypertension in multi-racial/ethnic women: The study of women’s Health Across the Nation. Hypertension, 79(8), 1876–1886. https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18809


[4] https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-and-pfos


[5] https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/331-718.pdf


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Join Us for the Holiday Toy Drive at Schafer’s

November 25, 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, our industry has one more opportunity to come together—not just for networking, but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in our community. Sparkling Clear Industries is proud to join Brock Group and LEL Environmental as sponsors of the Holiday Toy Drive Industry Night at Schafer’s on Thursday, December 4th.

Save the Date: 7th Annual BIC Alliance Fish Fry

November 6, 2025
When: November 13, 2025 Where: Sylvan Beach Pavilion, 1 Sylvan Beach Dr., La Porte, TX 77571 Who: This event brings together leaders from the refining, petrochemical, manufacturing, and industrial services community for an evening of genuine conversations, good food, and industry connection. What to expect: Door prizes, good food and drink (with the added benefit of caring for community: you’re encouraged to bring a canned good for The Bridge Over Troubled Waters ). What to do next: Mark your calendar for November 13. Register for the event if you haven’t yet. (Here’s the registration link.) When you see us there, drop by and let us know what’s happening in your operation — downtime threats, upcoming shutdowns, filtration and vessel challenges — we want to talk solutions. Bring a canned good! It’s a small gesture that gives back to our community. We look forward to meeting new faces and reconnecting with familiar ones. If you’re planning to attend, reach out in advance and we can set a time to meet at the pavilion. See you at Sylvan Beach Pavilion!

New BIC Magazine Feature: Helping Facilities Tackle Wastewater Treatment Challenges

November 3, 2025
We’re proud to share that Sparkling Clear Industries (SCI) is featured in the November/December issue of BIC Magazine, highlighting how our team helps facilities address one of the toughest and most universal challenges in industry, wastewater treatment . No matter the sector — petrochemical, consumer goods, or manufacturing — wastewater is a reality. Streams must be treated for reuse or safe discharge, and filtration plays a critical role in that process. It helps plants remove solids, protect downstream systems, reduce disposal costs, and stay compliant with tightening environmental regulations. For more than 40 years, filtration has been at the core of what we do. Whether supplying consumables, solving urgent compliance issues, or collaborating on long-term system design, our goal remains the same: to help customers stay compliant, efficient, and confident in their operations. Read the full feature in BIC Magazine!