Key Objectives:
Participants will understand the current science on polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), including (1) human exposure routes, (2) key toxicology and epidemiology data, and (3) current health standards with a focus on EPA’s Lifetime Health Advisory (LTHA) level. Participants will also be able to identify key gaps in available data and provide thoughts on communicating effectively with the public in light of the limited current scientific understanding of health effects of PFAS.
Brief Summary:
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (ADHSS) will present an overview of the current state of knowledge on PFAS, with a focus on PFOS and PFOA. ADHSS will provide an overview of two communities affected by the contamination of their drinking water with PFAS due to the use of fire suppressants. ADHSS will present the site history, measured levels of PFAS, actions taken, and additional planned actions for mitigation. ADHSS will use these examples to illustrate the challenges of evaluating exposure to emerging contaminants and effectively communicating key messages and results to the public. ADHSS will then facilitate a discussion on determining human health risks from PFAS exposure above the LTHA level in drinking water with session attendees who may be currently investigating these emerging contaminants in their jurisdiction. Two key challenges that will be used as discussion points are (1) developing appropriate public health messaging for watering garden vegetables with contaminated water and (2) communicating the risks and benefits of breastfeeding in a location with PFAS contamination, especially given the limited scientific understanding surrounding this issue at this time. Attendees will likely find this issue relevant to their jurisdiction, as PFAS is considered a ubiquitous contaminant.