PFAS in Water: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Their Child’s Health
By: GOPure
Understanding the Scope of PFAS in U.S. Tap Water and Water Systems
From school taps to kitchen sinks, parents across the U.S. are asking a serious question: Is my child’s drinking water safe?
While many contaminants can be filtered or treated, PFAS in water—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—pose a persistent and often invisible risk.
These so-called “forever chemicals” have been detected in public water systems across the country. Unlike many other pollutants, PFAS don’t break down naturally. They can remain in water sources for years and accumulate in the human body over time.
Rising awareness—and growing health data—show that PFAS in water may affect how a child’s immune system develops and responds to illness. In this blog, we’ll explore what parents need to know, and how a simple portable water filter like the GOpure Pod can help reduce exposure and promote safe drinking water in everyday life.
What Are PFAS—and Why Are They in Our Water?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in everyday products like non-stick pans, grease-resistant food packaging, and waterproof fabrics. They are engineered to resist water, oil, and stains—qualities that also make them extremely difficult to remove from the environment.
Over time, PFAS can enter community water supplies through industrial runoff, landfills, or aging infrastructure. Once in the water system, they don’t degrade easily and are often not removed by standard municipal treatment methods. That’s why they’re being found in both municipal water and private wells across the U.S.
How PFAS Can Impact Your Child’s Immune System
While PFAS are linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, their potential to weaken immune response is particularly concerning for growing children.
Recent research—including findings from the European Food Safety Authority and studies cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) —suggests that even low levels of PFAS in drinking water may reduce how children’s bodies respond to vaccines. Studies show a measurable decrease in antibody production in children with higher PFAS exposure.
This matters because a healthy immune response helps children fight off common illnesses and recover more quickly. If PFAS lower this defense, children may become more vulnerable to seasonal infections or less protected after routine vaccinations.
Other studies have also linked PFAS to:
-
Increased frequency of ear and respiratory infections
-
Reduced effectiveness of tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations
-
General immune suppression and altered white blood cell activity
Even small exposures—especially in early life—may affect long-term immunity.
Why Children Are More Vulnerable to PFAS Exposure
Children are still growing, which means they breathe more air, eat more food, and drink more water relative to their size. This makes them more likely to absorb contaminants like PFAS from their surroundings.
Because their biological systems are still developing, any disruption—especially to the immune system—can have lasting effects. In addition to immune suppression, exposure to PFAS in water has also been associated with:
-
Delayed development
-
Hormonal changes
-
Learning and behavioural concerns
-
Increased risk of metabolic disorders later in life
That’s why daily water purification isn’t just a precaution—it’s an essential part of your child’s routine health and hydration.
Beyond the Kitchen Sink: Where PFAS Might Be Lurking
You don’t need to live near a chemical plant for PFAS to be in your water. These chemicals have been found in thousands of public water systems, including those serving suburban neighborhoods and rural schools.
PFAS can enter water through:
-
Contaminated groundwater
-
Rainwater runoff from landfill sites
-
Older household plumbing
-
Waste from PFAS-coated consumer products
Because they’re tasteless and odorless, PFAS can go undetected unless families proactively test for PFAS or install a water filtration system designed to remove them.
A Portable Water Filter for Everyday Protection
Home filtration systems can help—but what about when your child is away at school, on the bus, or at sports practice? A portable water filter offers protection that moves with them.
The GOpure Pod fits inside any reusable bottle and uses a highly porous advanced ceramic technology to adsorb contaminants and improve taste. Unlike most carbonl filters, the GOpure Pod helps support immune health by targeting PFAS-sized particles.
-
Works continuously for up to 6 months
-
No electricity or installation required
-
Helps maintain beneficial minerals
-
Supports consistent access to clean water throughout the day
Want to learn how to choose the right water filter for your child’s health?
Additional Ways to Reduce PFAS Exposure
A portable water filter is a great first step—but here are a few more ways to reduce PFAS risks in your child’s routine:
-
Rethink bottled water
Bottled water isn’t always PFAS-free, and it contributes to plastic waste. A refillable bottle with a filter is safer and more sustainable. -
Watch for PFAS in consumer products
Check packaging and product labels for PFAS-related ingredients in cookware, textiles, and food wrappers. -
Cook with filtered water
If your tap water may contain PFAS, use filtered water not just for drinking—but also for boiling pasta, rinsing produce, or making baby formula. It adds another layer of protection. -
Avoid stain-resistant and non-stick coatings
Many everyday items marketed as non-stick, stain-proof, or water-resistant may contain PFAS. Opt for PFAS-free alternatives when possible. -
Stay updated
Review your local water quality reports and monitor any updates from the EPA or local health department. Regulations are evolving in response to new data on PFAS contamination.
Don’t Wait for a Health Warning to Act
The science is clear: PFAS in water may impact the immune system, and children are among the most vulnerable. While public health agencies work to improve standards, families can take simple steps today to reduce exposure and support wellness.
With a GOpure Pod, you give your child a better way to stay hydrated—with clean, great tasting drinking water in every bottle, at every moment.