The harmful compounds commonly known as Forever Chemicals have hurtled into the public eye over the last few years. Between class actions over contaminated water and revelations about Australia’s comparatively lax safety guidelines, many are concerned about the presence and impact of substances like PFAS, PFOS, PFOA, and more.
However, like with any issue regarding complex chemicals with similar-sounding names, it can be difficult to understand and differentiate between the different kinds of forever chemicals. What are PFOS chemicals? What is the difference between PFOS and PFAS? Do they have different impacts on our bodies? Should I be more careful of one forever chemical than another?
These kinds of details are important when planning to protect yourself from exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. This article will primarily focus on PFOS, explaining what it is, where it comes from, and how it is different from the other acronyms you might hear when discussing forever chemicals.
What is PFOS?
PFOS is the shortened name for a group of man-made chemicals known as perfluorooctanesulfonic acids and perfluorooctanesulfate salts. PFOS-based compounds were first manufactured by 3M in the late 1940s as the key ingredient in Scotchguard and various stain repellents.
PFOS compounds are typically resistant to heat, grease, water, and stains, and can even be used to give objects anti-reflective properties. They can be found in:
- Fire suppressant foams
- Protective coatings for textiles, paper, and leather
- Wax, polishes, paints, and varnishes
- Cleaning products
- Metal plating
- Carpets and fabrics
Chemical agents used in the semiconductor industry and in commercial aviation
PFOS is considered a global pollutant. Most companies that manufactured products with these compounds have changed their practices to use less harmful chemicals, but PFOS and PFOS-related chemicals are still being produced for regulated uses (primarily in China).
PFOS vs PFAS
Both PFOS and PFAS are shortened terms for large groups of chemicals. PFAS is the best known of the various forever chemical acronyms, and for good reason – it is the overarching umbrella term that all other subgroups fit into.
PFAS is short for polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, a range of artificial chemical compounds with similar properties. PFOS are perfluoroalkyl chemicals, so they fit within the larger classification. Not all PFAS are PFOS, but all PFOS are PFAS.
PFOS vs PFOA vs PFAS
PFOA is another subgroup within the Forever Chemicals umbrella. The name is short for “perfluorooctanoic acids”, so they are grouped together with other perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFOS and PFOA are often discussed together, as they have similar properties and behaviours. However, recent research suggests that PFOA contamination can be more dangerous in smaller doses. The World Health Organisation has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans, suggesting that there is no safe level of exposure whatsoever.
Some studies have found that PFOA leaves the human body slightly more rapidly than PFOS, but traces of any PFAS compound will remain in the body for a very long time (hence the nickname “forever” chemicals).
PFOA is also a suspected endocrine disruptor, interfering with your body’s natural hormonal balance. This is a particular issue for mothers, young children, and people experiencing puberty, as hormonal issues affect these groups more than others.
PFOS Contamination Health Risks
While the PFOS family may not have been classed as universally carcinogenic like PFOA, there are still numerous compounds within this group that have been linked to serious health concerns. PFOS has been detected in humans around the world, with several tests even finding contaminants in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood.
Health issues associated with PFOS exposure include:
- Childbirth issues like high blood pressure, preterm labour, low birth weight, and gestational diabetes
- Contaminated breast milk
- Thyroid disease
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Kidney disease
- Multiple cancers (kidney, testicular, prostate, ovarian/endometrial, and thyroid cancer, as well as non-Hodgkins lymphoma and childhood leukemia).
- Weakened immune system responses
PFOS has been thoroughly researched and is regulated by several governments around the world. In Australia, the use, manufacture, and importation of PFOS will be effectively banned as of July 2025.
Environmental Impact of PFOS Contamination
PFOS contamination is not just an issue for human well-being. Air, water, soil, and wildlife around the world are also subject to the accumulation of these resilient contaminants. Forever chemicals do not break down like other pollutants, so they can travel long distances while remaining fully intact.
Most environmental PFOS contamination comes from firefighting foam and metal plating. Whether the particles are picked up by rainfall and run-off or dust on the wind, they spread easily to waterways and wildlife.
PFOS chemicals are just as bad for wildlife as they are for humans. Tests have found that even small levels of contamination can lead to compromised immune systems and brain asymmetry.
How to remove PFOS from drinking water
Removing PFOS from our bodies is very difficult, so the best form of protection is minimising exposure to forever chemicals. Staying away from products and chemicals that include these compounds is an effective first step, but recent headlines have identified a more difficult source to block: our water.
Forever chemicals have been found in drinking water sources across the country, with Sydney’s dams recently being found to contain trace amounts of PFAS for town water. Municipal water treatment processes are often ineffective in completely removing PFOS, and communities relying on bore water are even more vulnerable.
Activated carbon filters can sometimes reduce forever chemicals, but the best option for guaranteed protection is a reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier. These reverse osmosis systems filter water down to 0.0005 microns, stripping away the vast majority of impurities by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane to block unwanted particles.
To find out more about keeping PFOS, PFAS, PFOA, and other unwelcome chemicals out of your water, contact Complete Home Filtration by filling out our contact form or calling 1300 693 458.
