PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is often perceived as something that’s unavoidable and dangerous as it makes its way into many of the products we use daily, from clothes to cookware to the water we drink. Today we know that PFAS can lead to high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, pregnancy-induced hypertension, thyroid disease, testicular and kidney cancer, decreased response to caffeine, and more.

These facts aren’t meant to cause alarm but to educate on what is and isn’t safe when it comes to PFAS. 

A group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, water and oil, they are used in a variety of industrial applications and consumer products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing and firefighting foams. The “per” in PFAS refers to the presence of fluorine atoms.

It’s important to note that plastic pipe, typically made from materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and sometimes chlorinated, does not generally contain PFAS. The chemical structure and intended use of these plastics do not require the inclusion of PFAS.

PFAS are chemically stable and do not readily break down, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” They are designed to resist degradation, which means that even if PFAS were present in or on plastic pipe, they would not easily migrate out of the material into the water or environment. 

The processes used to manufacture plastic pipe do not involve the use of PFAS. The polymerization and extrusion processes to create the pipe are controlled and standardized to ensure the end product meets safety and performance standards. This controlled environment minimizes the risk of contamination with substances such as PFAS.

In light of concerns regarding risks around PFAS in plastic piping, many companies and government entities have made a substantial effort to ensure their products are safe and reliable. 

“CORECHEM does not add PFAS materials in our production process of heat transfer fluids, nor does our producer of raw bio-based glycol,” notes Randy Holt, who oversees customer and strategic supplier relationships for CORECHEM. “We share the concerns of the EPA and other regulatory bodies regarding the need to avoid PFAS in production processes, and we are committed to doing our part to protect our aquifers from any further contamination.”

Ensuring that PFAS are not present is a thorough and vital process, but plastic pipe manufacturers assure customers and clients of the safety guaranteed through such rigorous efforts and surveillance by the EPA, no matter the cost. 

Regulations and Standards Governing PFAS

Lance MacNevin, director of engineering in the Plastics Pipe Institute’s Building & Construction Division, gave excellent input on the topic: “On April 10, the U.S. EPA finalized a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation establishing legally enforceable levels called maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS chemicals in drinking water: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS and HFPO-DA. 

“Based on a survey of PPI member companies producing pipe and fitting materials and to the best of our knowledge, PPI does not believe that the six PFAS chemicals identified in the EPA NPDWR are intentionally added to PE, PE-RT, PP or CPVC plastic piping materials used in potable water transport, water distribution or plumbing.” 

To elaborate, stringent regulations and standards govern the production of plastic pipe, especially those used for our drinking water supply. Those regulations, overseen by the EPA, ensure that the materials used are safe and do not release harmful substances into the water. Compliance with these standards means plastic pipe must be free from contaminants such as PFAS. 

Even if plastic pipe undergoes surface treatments or coatings to improve performance, these treatments are typically specific to enhancing durability, resistance to corrosion or reducing biofilm formation. PFAS are not used in these treatments due to environmental and health concerns.

Additionally, in response to the risks posed by PFAS, some energy companies have begun conducting vulnerability assessments to identify potential sources of PFAS contamination, the EPA notes. These assessments include examining the extent of plastic pipe usage within their infrastructures and evaluating alternative materials that do not contain PFAS. Companies are also investing in research and development to identify and implement safer alternatives.

“It is important to recognize that plastic piping products for drinking water applications are highly regulated within the United States and Canada, with systems of codes, standards and third-party certifications that are extremely rigorous regarding pipe materials, production controls and finished products,” MacNevin adds. 

“NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects is the legally recognized national standard in the United States and Canada for evaluating the human health effects of drinking water materials, components and devices, ensuring that approved materials are safe for drinking water. All plastic pipe, tubing, fittings and system components must comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61.”

The main reasons why PFAS are not released through plastic piping are the material composition of the pipe, the absence of PFAS in the manufacturing process, the chemical properties of PFAS and the regulatory standards ensuring the safety of materials used in pipe. These factors collectively prevent the contamination and release of PFAS from plastic pipe into the environment.

Plastic pipe does not contain PFAS because the polymers used do not require PFAS for their production or performance, the manufacturing processes exclude PFAS, and regulatory standards prohibit the use of such harmful substances in materials that come into contact with drinking water. This ensures the safety and integrity of the plastic piping systems and the water they carry.