PFAS is an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are man-made substances that repel water, oil and stains. Two of the most common PFAS are perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Public exposure to PFAS has been an increasing concern because of multiple sites throughout the United States where PFAS-contaminated drinking water has been found, typically related to PFAS production facilities or fire training areas where aqueous film forming foam (firefighting foam) was used.
About PFOS and PFOA
PFAS Contamination and Testing in Washington State
PFOS and PFOA are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1950s to produce stain-resistant, water-resistant and non-stick products. Use of some of these chemicals has decreased in the United States over the last 10 years. People can still be exposed to PFOS and PFOA because they are still present in the environment. PFOS and PFOA do not break down easily in the environment. They also build up in the bodies of exposed humans and some animals.
In 2019, CDC/ATSDR conducted exposure assessments in eight communities throughout the United States associated with current or former military sites where PFAS exposure occurred, including Airway Heights, where contamination had previously been identified in 2017. Learn more about the study here.
See Also
Washington State Department of Ecology PFAS in West Plains private wells
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Information for clinicians to consider when seeing patients who have concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure or possible health effects.
