Flushing Home Plumbing Pipes Contaminated with Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Containing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.

ABSTRACT: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) can be accidentally backflushed into drinking water systems during firefighting operations or at industrial facilities. If this contaminated water enters household plumbing systems, homeowners may need to decontaminate their plumbing. This study examines the persistence of PFAS from AFFF on home plumbing, along with the effects of flushing and stagnation. Two sources of AFFF were investigated, representing older formulations (that contain longer chain PFAS) and newer formulations (that contain shorter chain PFAS). Experiments were conducted in copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes with flushing after contamination followed by intermittent flow and periods of stagnation mea

SUBMITTER: Szabo J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10569108 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature