Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS
Click on the questions below to see the answer.
1.
What are PFAS and where have they
been used?
2.
What is the concern with PFAS?
3.
How
are people exposed to PFAS?
4.
What are the health concerns with
PFAS?
5.
How did PFAS get into drinking
water?
6.
What is DOH doing about this
issue?
7.
What is the PUD doing about this
issue?
8.
What do I need to do?
9.
How do I remove PFAS from my
drinking water?
10.
Who is responsible for regulating
PFAS in drinking water?
11.
Where can I get more information?
12.
Who can I contact for more
information?
_________________________________________________________
1.
What
are PFAS and where have they been used?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) are a large family of chemicals in use since the
1950s to make a wide variety of stain-resistant,
water-resistant, and non-stick consumer products. Some
examples include food packaging, outdoor clothing, and
non-stick pans. PFAS also have many industrial uses because
of their special properties. In Washington State, PFAS have
been used in certain types of firefighting foams used by the
U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports.
2.
What
is the concern with PFAS?
PFAS are
a public health concern because they:
PFAS have been discovered above
recommended federal and state levels in the drinking water
supplies around the nation, including in Washington State.
In humans, it can take many years for PFAS to leave our
bodies. As a result, exposure to levels above recommended
limits over time may lead to harmful health effects.
3.
How
are people exposed to PFAS?
People
are primarily exposed to PFAS by:
People can also be exposed by:
4.
What are the health concerns with PFAS?
Scientists are still studying how PFAS affect people's
health. Current public health recommendations to limit PFAS
exposure are typically based on studies on lab animals and
humans that have been exposed to PFAS. These studies suggest
that higher exposure to certain PFAS may lead to:
5.
How did PFAS get into drinking
water?
PFAS can
get into drinking water if they are made, used, disposed of,
or spilled near your water source. Because PFAS do not break
down during natural processes, they may remain in water
supplies for years. Examples of sources include:
·
Landfills
·
Manufacturing that contains PFAS
·
Firefighting foam used at airports, military bases and other
sources
·
Wastewater
6.
What
is DOH doing about this issue?
The Washington State Board of Health
(WSBOH) has set a State Action Level (SAL) for 5 types of
PFAS.
*Parts
Per Trillion (ppt) The SAL was created to protect
people, including sensitive groups, from harmful health
effects of drinking water with PFAS over a long period of
time. Other efforts to address PFAS
Contamination are:
· The Department of Ecology and Department of Health have
developed a Chemical Action Plan to address exposure of PFAS
to people. This document includes recommendations to further
mitigate PFAS in drinking water and use in products.
· Washington State Legislature has restricted the use of PFAS
in fire fighting foam and personal protective equipment.
Fire fighting foam is a suspected source of drinking water
contamination around airports, military bases and fire
training locations.
· Washington State Legislature restricted use of PFAS in food
contact paper, food wrappers, liners, plates, food boats,
pizza boxes starting in February 2023.
· The Legislature is also restricting the use of PFAS in other
consumer products.
· The Washington State Board of Health requires that all Group
A public water systems test for PFAS. The testing will help us:
·
Understand which of our water systems is affected by PFAS.
·
Ensure our customers are notified.
·
Understand how to best assist our customers.
·
Understand how to move forward.
7.
What is the PUD doing about this issue?
The PUD is working with the
Department of Health to monitor the situation and determine
the next steps. My Water System had Detections
Over the SAL
If you water system’s PFAS detection
levels were over the State Action Level (SAL),
the PUD will seek grant funding at the earliest possible
time to install treatment on your system. You should have
received a letter from the PUD with more information.
My Water System had Detection
Under the SAL
If your water system’s PFAS
detections levels were under the SAL, the
Department is requiring us to monitor your water systems
PFAS levels. You should receive a letter from the PUD
with more information.
8.
What do I
need to do?
There is
nothing required of you at this time. The PUD will work closely with the
Department of Health to monitor your water system and
determine next steps. Please visit DOH’s dedicated PFAS
page for more information:
https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/pfas
9.
How do I remove PFAs from my drinking
water?
Water treatment units that use granular
activated carbon, ion exchange, or reverse osmosis can
remove PFAS. Choose a treatment system that is certified
by NSF International. It is important to install and
maintain your treatment unit as directed by the
manufacturer.
10.
Who
is responsible for regulating PFAS in drinking water?
In Washington State, the State Board
of Health is responsible for setting the State Action
Levels. The Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water
is responsible for enforcing regulation.
11.
Where
can I get more information?
·
Washington State Department of Health
o
https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/drinking-water
·
Washington State Department of Ecology
·
United State Environmental Protection Agency
·
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC)
o
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html
12.
Who
can I contact for more information?
·
Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water
o
Sophia Petro, Southwest Region
§
Thurston, Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Lewis counties
§
360-236-3046
o
Steve Hulsman, Northwest Region
§
Pierce, King counties
§
253-395-6777
· **For Group B Water Systems in Pierce County** Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Environmental Health-Water Resources,
o
Michelle Harris, Environmental Health Specialist III
§
253-649-1801
·
Department of Ecology
o
Cheryl Niemi, Senior Toxics Reduction Planner
§
360-407-6700
|