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An Introduction to PFAS

One of the great aspects about living in Madison, Wisconsin, is the public's desire for engagement with the scientific community. This relationship is exemplified by the many community-focused events that are put on by the University and City. One of my favorite events of this kind, is the free, monthly Science onTap.


The Science on Tap events bring scientists and community members together to discuss topics that are affecting our community. Some of the recent topics have been road salt use and its effects on freshwater and threats facing the Great Lakes.


The most recent event covered the emerging topic of PFAS. Although I am passionate about protecting our water resources, I didn't know much about the history and effect of PFAS. Here, I detail the take-aways I found most important for water resource professionals and concerned community members alike!




  • What are PFAS?

PFAS are a category of per- and polyfluroalkyl substances, which include PFOA and PFOS (two other terms that I frequently hear tossed around). This category of contains over 3,000 synthetic chemicals.


  • Why are PFAS used and where do you find them?

PFAS are used for their stain, water, oil and grease resistant properties. For these reasons, you will find them used on non-stick pans, pizza boxes, and fire fighting foam.


  • What are the key characteristics of PFAS?

PFAS are both lipophilic (fat-loving) and hydrophilic (water-loving). This means that the chemicals bioaccumulate (gradual accumulation of substances over time in organisms, faster than they can be degraded) and stick around in water. These two characteristics have huge consequences of environmental and public health.


PFAS bioaccumulate in fish, especially in smaller fish like Blue Gill and Crappie, which is abnormal compared for other chemical bioaccumulation, like in the case of DDT and Bald Eagles. DDT took time to negatively affect Bald Eagles because the chemicals had to slowly accumulate in larger and larger organisms. Because PFAS bioaccumulate in smaller fish, it causes a health concern to anglers who frequently fish and eat small pan fry fish species.


PFAS can take thousands of years to break down so there is a long residence time in water and can lead to high concentrations in our drinking water. PFAS can cause many adverse human health impacts like cancer, hormone disruption, and immune deficiencies.


  • What can we do about it?

Intervention by local, state, and federal governments is key. Currently, the most effective way to reduce the impacts of PFAS is through source reduction. In Wisconsin, the State Department of Natural Resources has been experimenting with voluntary waste water treatment plant testing, which has proven to be highly successful in Michigan. Essentially, waste waster treatment plants voluntary test the water they are treating and the results can be used to trace the upstream sources of PFAS. Using that information, the hope is that regulations can be used to target PFAS users and reduce effluent that have high PFAS concentrations.


  • How can I protect myself and my family?

Install a charcoal water filter on the tap you use for drinking water.


If you have a private well, get it tested for PFAS.


If you use a public well for drinking water, your local water utility should provide well chemistry reports. In the City of Madison, you can search your address and see what substances are present in your water and this can determine if you should consider using a charcoal filter.


Finally, consider recycling your teflon pans to reduce the ingestion of PFAS.



  • What are my final thoughts?

PFAS are scary! There isn't much regulation and they seem to be in everything! The community engagement I experienced at the PFAS science on tap event brought up some concerning realities between government regulations, sound science, and information sharing.


Scientists and government officials working on the topic of PFAS know the effects and sources of the chemicals. I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable when it comes to water resources management threats, but I had no idea about the bioaccumulation properties of PFAS. This information is not widely shared with people who may be negatively affected the most, like anglers, pregnant woman, and children. Obviously, sound science is needed before harmful effects are broadcasted and possibly create an atmosphere of fear around fish consumption. However, from a social perspective, I believe society has a right to know immediately if there is a potential health threat.


How do you find the line between providing recommendations and standards based on sound science while not leaving affected individuals out of the conversation until it's too late?



 
 
 

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