PFAS: French Drinking Water Heavily Affected by “Forever Chemicals,” With Paris on the Front Line

Forever chemicals: why PFAS are raising concerns in France

Over the past few months, PFAS — nicknamed “forever chemicals” — have emerged as a major public health issue in France. Invisible, persistent, and dangerous, these chemical compounds now contaminate much of our drinking water. And the figures are alarming: more than half of the water sampling sites tested in France reportedly contain traces of PFAS, according to recent analyses by the Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire (Anses).
In Paris, as in many major cities, the question is becoming urgent: how can you protect your family from these toxic substances?

Fortunately, a solution is available with an RO system. Indeed, an RO system effectively filters out PFAS so you can enjoy truly pure water at home again.

The alarming findings in Île-de-France

A recent investigation reveals that nearly 450 drinking water abstraction sites in France show traces of PFAS, these "forever chemicals" that are particularly persistent in the environment. The Paris region appears to be the epicenter of this contamination, with major sites such as the Choisy-le-Roi plant showing concerning concentrations of these harmful substances.Analyses of the presence of PFAS(new window), or "forever chemicals", in water can be viewed on an online map on the website of the ministère de la Transition écologique

Understanding PFAS: the health challenge of the century

What are these “forever chemicals"?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of more than 4,700 chemical compounds developed for their nonstick, waterproofing, and heat-resistant properties. Their nickname, "forever chemicals", comes from their extreme persistence in the environment - they do not break down naturally and accumulate in living organisms. More details in our article : PFAS in water 

The established health risks of PFAS

Scientific studies link PFAS exposure to several serious health problems :

• Hormonal and thyroid disorders
• Weakened immune system
• Increased risk of certain cancers
• Fertility problems and impaired fetal development

French regulations: a framework that remains insufficient

The new European regulations (2023) set limits for only 24 of the 4,700 existing PFAS. The threshold of 100 ng/L for the sum of 20 PFAS remains above the recommendations of many health experts. This situation leaves consumers partially exposed to unregulated compounds.

Reverse osmosis: the most effective technology against PFAS

The proven scientific principle

Reverse osmosis uses an extremely fine semipermeable membrane (with 0.0001-micron pores) that retains nearly all contaminants, including PFAS. This physical process, inspired by the natural mechanisms of living cells, currently provides the most effective barrier against micropollutants.

Exceptional removal rates with RO systems

Independent studies confirm that RO systems remove:

• 99% of PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, etc.)
• 98% of pesticides and herbicides
• 99% of heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic)
• 95% of nitrates and pharmaceuticals

Why choose a JOSMOSE RO system in the Paris region?

A tailored solution for water in Île-de-France

To address the specific contamination in the Paris basin, JOSMOSE offers residential and commercial RO systems. Our RO systems incorporate advanced technologies specifically optimized for PFAS removal.

Find an RO system installer near you in the Paris region !

The benefits of JOSMOSE RO systems

• Complete pollutant removal
  Our 5-stage system guarantees the removal of nearly all contaminants, including the most persistent PFAS.
• Long-term savings
  Compared with bottled water, a JOSMOSE RO system can save up to 200€ per year for a family of 4.
• Environmental responsibility
  By eliminating plastic bottles, you reduce your environmental footprint while protecting your health.
• Easy installation and maintenance
  Our systems are designed for quick installation under your sink and simplified maintenance.