Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Types of synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals"
EPA drinking water health advisory for PFAS
EPA drinking water health advisory for PFAS
On April 10, 2024, the Alaska Department of Health (DOH) was notified that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). The NPDWR established maximum Contaminant Levels for six individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) compounds in drinking water and a cumulative risk level for the sum total 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. We will also 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.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a large class of chemicals created for their heat, water, and stain-resistant properties. Because of these useful properties, PFAS are used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial uses and in many consumer products.
One of the most widespread uses of PFAS in Alaska is in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), which is used to extinguish petroleum and chemical fires. The use of these foams at airports and fire training centers can contaminate the environment and nearby drinking water sources.
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.
How can I be exposed?
PFAS compounds are used in many industrial processes, such as the oil and gas extraction industries, metal plating, textiles production, and hundreds of other uses. PFAS are also used in thousands of products, including takeout food containers, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and carpeting, waterproof rain gear, some types of dental floss, and coatings on circuit boards used in cell phones and computers. Some of the main sources of PFAS exposure for the general public include:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating contaminated food, such as fish, or foods that have come into contact with grease or water-resistant packaging
- Contact with PFAS-containing products such as water-resistant fabrics, stain-resistant fabrics used for carpeting or furniture, certain types of floss, some cosmetics, and potentially hundreds of other everyday products
Additional types of exposure can also be:
- Swallowing indoor dust or soil that contains PFAS
- Work related exposures including firefighting foam, chemical manufacturing facilities, and other types of manufacturing
Most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS from one or more sources and have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Since the voluntary phaseout of PFOA and PFOS from production and use, the levels of these compounds in people’s bodies have been steadily decreasing.
How can PFAS affect my 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 PFAS may create higher risk for:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Increased blood pressure in pregnant women
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Slightly increased cholesterol
- Decreased immune response to some vaccines
- Slightly reduced birth weight
- Increased risk of thyroid disease
- Kidney cancer and long-term kidney disease
- Testicular cancer and decreased fertility
The potential for health effects from PFAS exposure depends on many things, including the amount and duration of exposure, your age, lifestyle choices, and underlying health status.
How can I reduce my exposure?
We are all exposed to small amounts of PFAS in our daily lives. Reducing the major sources of exposure is the best way to reduce the chances of experiencing any potential health effects from PFAS.
- Minimize your consumption of contaminated water
- Follow any local water advisories that have been issued by local or state government
- Drink bottled water
- Install a water filter
- Minimize eating foods that are packaged in PFAS-containing packaging
- Follow local fish consumption guidelines
- Reduce your use of products that contain PFAS compounds