These chemicals rose to a high level of concern in Alaska when water samples requested by Alaska’s Department of Environmental Conservation revealed extensive contamination around Fairbanks in 2015.
The greater Fairbanks area is currently home to three substantial groundwater contamination sites containing levels of PFAS above the current Environmental Protection Agency Lifetime Health Advisory limit.
The state’s work on PFAS is a coordinated effort.
The Department of Environmental Conservation addresses regulation and cleanup of these chemicals and the Department of Health and Social Services addresses human health exposure concerns.
Currently, the Department of Environmental Conservation is working to limit use of firefighting foams containing theses chemicals and ensure that residential and commercial water wells in high-risk areas are being tested and that those responsible for the contamination provide alternative drinking water to those with wells affected above the advisory levels.
Additionally, Department of Health and Social Services staff have provided informational resources to the public and attended numerous public meetings where they have presented health information and answered people’s questions about the potential health effects of PFAS.
Department of Health and Social Services staff also collaborate closely with other state health agencies that are working to address PFAS contamination in their respective jurisdictions and with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which provides national guidance and assistance on PFAS.
Until more data become available, the state of Alaska is using the best available science to inform Alaskans about the health risks and to ensure access to safe drinking water at locations impacted by these chemicals.
To learn more about DHHS’s work on PFAS and for information on human health concerns, visit goo.gl/jbjdVx.
Stacey Cooper is a Health Assessor in the Environmental Public Health Program at the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.