PFAS
What are PFAS?
Washington State Department of Health
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of human-made 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 utilized by the U.S. military, local fire departments, and airports.
Some of the most common and best studied PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), have been removed from most products because of health and environmental concerns. These long-lasting chemicals continue to be released into our environment from older products and discarded materials. Newer PFAS compounds have replaced older PFAS compounds and at least some appear to pose similar problems.
The Washington State Department of Health’s PFAS page includes the following:
- Why are we concerned with PFAS?
- What are the health concerns with PFAS?
- How are people exposed to PFAS?
- How can I reduce my exposure?
- PFAS and Drinking Water
- How do PFAS get into drinking water?
- Are there federal standards for PFAS?
- What are WA State’s PFAS drinking water standards?
- What are EPA’s health advisory levels for PFAS in drinking water?
- WA response to EPA 2022 Health Advisories
- How do I know if my drinking water contains PFAS?
- How do I test for PFAS?
- What Water Filters work?
- Public Health Advice
- What is our state doing to address PFAS Contamination>
- More Resources
- PFAS and State’s Chemical Action Plan, Department of Ecology
- PFAS and Your Health, ATSDR
- PFAS Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet, ATSDR (PDF)
- Community Exposure Assessment for PFAS in Spokane County near Fairchild Air Force Base, ATSDR
- Federal Action on PFAS, EPA
- Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) PFAS Fact Sheets
- PFAS in Food Questions and Answers, FDA
- Large human study on PFOA, C8 Science Panel
- Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units PFAS Resources webpage
- PFAS Project Lab, Northeastern University