Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
What are PFAS and how can I be exposed?
PFAS are a large class of chemicals manufactured for their heat, water, and stain-resistant properties. Because of these useful properties, PFAS are used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications and applied to many consumer products.
PFAS do not break down easily and can be transported long distances in water. As a result, they are widely distributed in the environment and most people have been exposed to PFAS from one or more sources.
Some of the primary sources of PFAS exposure include:
- drinking contaminated water,
- eating contaminated food,
- contacting PFAS-containing consumer products (e.g., waterproof clothing or rain gear, non-stick cookware, or stain-resistant fabrics used for carpeting or furniture).
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) used to extinguish petroleum and chemical fires contains PFAS. Use of these foams at airports and fire training centers is a source of environmental contamination that can impact nearby drinking water sources.
How can PFAS affect human health?
Scientists are still learning about the health effects of long term PFAS exposure. Although more research is needed, studies conducted in highly exposed communities have shown that certain PFAS may have effects on the:
- Gastrointestinal System
Ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract)
- Liver
Liver damage, abnormal fat metabolism, high cholesterol
- Kidney
Kidney cancer and chronic kidney disease
- Cardiovascular system
High blood pressure in pregnant women
- Immune system
Decreased response to vaccines
- Reproductive system
Testicular cancer and decreased fertility
- Endocrine system
Thyroid disease
- Development
Reduced birth weight
The potential for an individual to experience adverse health effects from PFAS exposure is dependent on many different factors. These include the degree and duration of exposure and individual factors such as the person’s age, lifestyle choices, and underlying health status.
Information for healthcare providers
Updated EPA drinking water health advisory for PFASOn April 10, 2024, the Alaska Department of Health (DOH) received notification that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels for six individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) compounds in drinking water and a cumulative risk level for the sum of four PFAS compounds. Alaska DOH supports the EPA’s efforts to address PFAS contamination and reduce Alaskans’ exposure to these chemicals. The DOH will continue to work with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), and our federal partners to determine what this new regulation means to Alaska and to address next steps in protecting the health of Alaskans. This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available. More information about the EPA’s updated drinking water advisory for PFAS can be found on the
Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS page.
Other agency resources
