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PFAS are molecules that are difficult to remove from water, even for a treatment plant, according to Sébastien Sauvé.PHOTO: Getty Images / Thanasis Zovoilis

The drinking water of almost all Quebec cities contains traces of PFAS, potentially carcinogenic pollutants, according to a study. PFAS are molecules used in very practical everyday products, for example Teflon, stain-resistant coatings or foams to extinguish fires, as Sébastien Sauvé, who headed the study, points out. The associate professor of environmental chemistry at the Université de Montréal explains why PFAS are called eternal contaminants and discusses their health consequences.

Sébastien Sauvé underlines that among the possible effects, it is that of a less good immune response to vaccination which serves to guide the regulations concerning these contaminants. Health Canada sets the amount of detectable PFAS in drinking water at 30 ng/L. Many countries around the world are reassessing their targets in order to lower them.

PFAS is an acronym that comes from English meaning Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substanceseither perfluoroalkylated or polyfluoroalkylated substances.

During the interview, the professor specifies the type of filter to be used to remove PFAS from drinking water.