Do Shower Filters Remove PFAS? GAC and ACF Science Explained

TL;DR: Granular activated carbon (GAC) and activated carbon fiber (ACF), both used in Nordisk Renhet’s filters, are scientifically proven to reduce PFAS — including long-chain types like PFOA and PFOS. While KDF55 and calcium sulfite are excellent for chlorine and heavy metal removal, only carbon-based filtration technologies currently show meaningful PFAS reduction results.

Can Nordisk Renhet Filters Remove PFAS?

At Nordisk Renhet, we’re committed to transparency and evidence-based design. You asked whether our Duschvattenfilter and filtered showerhead remove PFAS — commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” The short answer: yes, to a meaningful degree — thanks to granular activated carbon (GAC) and activated carbon fiber (ACF).

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals found in everything from non-stick pans to water-repellent fabrics. They're persistent in the environment and in our bodies, and long-term exposure is associated with serious health effects. That’s why filtration matters.

Which Filter Ingredients Target PFAS?

How GAC and ACF Remove PFAS

PFAS molecules are carbon–fluorine chains that bind strongly to activated carbon surfaces. GAC contains thousands of micro- and mesopores that trap long-chain PFAS like PFOA and PFOS, particularly when water contact time is sufficient. ACF behaves similarly, with higher surface area and faster kinetics due to its fibrous structure.

How Nordisk Renhet Uses GAC and ACF

Our Shower Water Filter contains a premium blend of granular activated carbon (GAC), KDF55, and calcium sulfite. The GAC layer plays a critical role in trapping volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorine byproducts, and PFAS compounds.

Meanwhile, our Filtered Showerhead leverages activated carbon fiber (ACF) — a high-efficiency carbon-based material designed for fast, high-flow filtration scenarios.

Backed by Science: Top 10 Studies

• EPA Science Matters: GAC removes nearly all long-chain PFAS under optimal conditions [2].
• EWG Testing: Found GAC filters remove PFAS by nearly 100% [3].
• Duke & NC State Study: GAC filters removed an average of 73% PFAS [4].
• ScienceAlert: GAC pitcher filters removed 96%+ of PFAS [5].
• RSC Advances: GAC systems showed superior chain-length removal performance [6].
• EPA Research Partner: Full-scale testing confirmed GAC effectiveness [8].
• NIH (PMC8864563): Pilot data showed consistent PFAS reduction with GAC [9].
• PubMed (35221463): Multiple carbon types tested; GAC outperformed [10].
• ACS ES&T Water: GAC removed up to 80% of long-chain PFAS [11].
• Interior Medicine: Lists GAC-based filters as doctor-recommended [12].

Conclusion: Yes, Our Filters Help Reduce PFAS

If PFAS exposure is a concern — and it should be — then using Nordisk Renhet filters equipped with GAC and ACF is a science-backed way to reduce risk. While no filter eliminates 100% of all contaminants, GAC is one of the few proven materials for removing PFAS from water, especially longer-chain compounds like PFOA and PFOS.

By pairing GAC or ACF with other materials like KDF55 and calcium sulfite, our filters deliver a multi-stage solution that supports both health and performance. Want to know more? See our Science Behind Filtration page for more insights.

📚 Explore Related Articles

• KDF Filtration and Performance
• How to Remove Heavy Metals from Shower Water
• Hard Water’s Effect on Skin and Hair
• The Science Behind Nordisk Filters

🔬 Sources

1. Interior Medicine – Doctor's Guide to Shower Filters
2. EPA – Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water
3. EWG – PFAS Filter Lab Testing
4. Duke University – Filter Effectiveness Study
5. ScienceAlert – GAC Performance Review
6. RSC Advances – PFAS Removal Research
7. Tap Score – Shower Filter Guide
8. EPA Research Partner – GAC Validation
9. NIH – Pilot PFAS GAC Data
10. PubMed – PFAS Carbon Removal Study
11. ACS ES&T Water – GAC vs PAC Comparison
12. Interior Medicine – Doctor’s Recommendations