Copy - PFA

Per-and Polyfluroalkyl Substances (PFAs)

PFAs are man made chemicals that have been used since the 1950's. They can be found in many consumer and industrial processes. They have properties that resist heat, grease, and water!

PFAs can be found in many daily items such as:

Water-resistant fabrics, such as rain jackets, umbrellas and tents.

Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics.

Grease-resistant paper

Today, more than 3,000 synthetic chemicals are classified as PFAS.

Personal care products, like shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup.

Nonstick cookware

Cleaning products

In the enviorment PFAs can be found in:

Air

Soil

Water

Fish

Dane Co. Wisconsin PFA contamination

Several Downstream Lakes and Rivers in Dane County contain PFA's these include:

Starkweather Creek Lake Monona Lake Kegonsa Lake Waubesa Mud Lake Wingra Creek

PFAs Are Detrimental to the Enviorment

Do not break down in the enviorment

They do not break down in the enviorment

Can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources

Humans are exposed to PFAs in many ways

1. Drinking contaminated municipal or private well water.
2. Eating fish with high levels of PFAS.
3. Eating food grown or raised near places that used or made PFAS.
4. Eating food packaged in material made with PFAS.
5. Swallowing contaminated soil or dust.
6. Using some consumer products, such as ski wax, nonstick cookware, and stain and water repellant sprays for fabrics.

PFA Associated Health Issues

Increased Cholesterol Levels

Decreased Fertility in Women

Decreased Vaccine Response

Increased Thyroid Disease Risk

Increased risk of serious conditions like High Blood Pressure

Lower Infant birth Weights

Agencies that Monitor enviormental PFA levels:

Enviormental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA is committed to providing meaningful, understandable, and actionable information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The DNR will investigate the contamination of PFAs and work with responsible parties to take any other necessary actions

Acceptable maximum contamination levels of PFAs in Dane Co is 4ppt

Methods of PFA Remediation

There are 3 best proven ways to remove enviormental PFAs:

Granular Activated Charcoal

Ion Exchange Resins

High-Pressure Membrane Systems

What can you do to protect yourself?

Check product labels for ingredients that include the words "fluoro" or "perfluoro."

Avoid clothing, luggage, camping, and sport equipment that were treated for water or stain resistance.

Avoid stain-resistance treatments. Choose furniture and carpets that aren’t marketed as “stain-resistant,” and don’t apply finishing treatments to these or other items.

Avoid or reduce use of non-stick cookware. Stop using products if non-stick coatings show signs of wear.

Be aware of packaging for foods that contain grease-repellent coatings

Make sure the water you are drinking is tested and from a certified treatment system.

Follow your local guidelines for eating the fish to reduce possible exposures.

Sources:

Wisconsin Department of Health Services https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/pfas.htm

Center for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html#:~:text=Many%20PFAS%2C%20including%20perfluorooctane%20sulfonic,bioaccumulate)%20in%20fish%20and%20wildlife

Public Health MDC https://publichealthmdc.com/environmental-health/environmental-hazards/pfas/pfas-health-effects-ways-to-reduce-exposure#reduce

Minnesota Department of Health https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/topics/pfashometreat.html#:~:text=Filters%20containing%20activated%20carbon%20or,lose%20their%20effectiveness%20over%20time

Enviormental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/understanding-pfas-environment

Enviormental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/research-states/pfas-treatment-drinking-water-and-wastewater-state-science#:~:text=It%20is%20currently%20known%20that,and%20high%2Dpressure%20membrane%20systems.

PBS Wisonsin https://pbswisconsin.org/news-item/what-epas-nationwide-pfas-rule-means-for-wisconsin-drinking-water/#:~:text=Public%20water%20suppliers%20must%20begin,technologies%20or%20take%20other%20action.