What is PFAS?Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a family of more than 4,000 synthetic chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, widely used since the 1940s in products that resist heat, oils, stains and water. Even though U.S. manufacturers voluntarily phased out PFOS in 2002 and PFOA in 2015 due to health concerns, they are still manufactured overseas and can be imported via consumer goods. Also, a number of other PFAS compounds are being manufactured today and in use. PFAS do not break down and accumulate over time. The chemicals exist at low levels in the environment and in most animals, including humans.

PFAS: ‘FOREVER & EVERYWHERECHEMICALS’ AND WATERSHED HEALTH

Firefighting foam Non-stick cookwareand utensils

Stain repellant carpets,upholstery, and other fabrics

Stain and water-repellantapparel (including Gore-Tex)

Grease/oil-resistant foodpackaging and containers

Polishes, paints,cleaning products

Personal care products and cosmetics (nail polish, eye

makeup, dental floss)

Furniture Chrome plating solutions Sealants and waxes

• Chains of carbon (C) atoms surrounded by fluorine (F) atoms, with different endings • Complicated chemistry - thousands of different variations exist in commerce • Widely used in industrial processes and in consumer products

Fluorine

PFOA(Perfluoroctanoic

acid)

PFOS(Perfluoroctanesulfonic

acid)

PFAS is a class of synthetic chemicals:

PFAS Sources

1940sPFAS were

first developed.

1950s and 60sUse of PFAS proliferated.More than 4,000different kinds ofPFAS exist.

2000sNational use of two of the moststudied PFAS – PFOA and PFOS –

voluntarily phased out(though they are still usedin products manufactured

in other countries).

LONG into the futurePFAS will still be around. The

chemicals are extremely stablein the environment and in the

human body, meaning thatthey don’t break down andcan accumulate over time.

‘Forever and Everywhere Chemicals’ timeline

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environment of the Tualatin River Watershed.

11/2019

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Health Effects PFOA is a possible human carcinogen, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. High concentrations in the body of PFOA and PFOS have also been linked to:

• High cholesterol • Thyroid and liver disease • Decreased fertility • Liver and kidney disease • Testicular, kidney, prostate & breast cancers • Lower birth weights • Decreased response to vaccines • Pregnancy-induced hypertension • Developmental delays

Where has PFAS contamination been found?PFAS contamination has been linked to sites used for firefighting, like airports and military bases. The chemicals also enter the environment from manufacturing facilities. Because of their inabilityto break down and resiliency, the chemicals can accumulate, leading to elevated levels in the groundwater near those sites.

What is being done about PFAS?The best way to address PFAS is to remove the sources through product substitution and phasing out use of products containing PFAS. These chemicals, which are being studied for health effects, have been found in public drinking water in some states, although not in Oregon. To learn more about the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Health Authority’s efforts to address PFAS, please visit https://bit.ly/34UH2kl.

While wastewater treatment facilities are not the source of PFAS, Clean Water Services (CWS) is working with nationalwater quality experts to monitor research developments. We’re also collaborating with state industry expert Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies to understand prevalence of PFAS in Oregon.

CWS is proactively screening influent, effluent and biosolids at our Rock Creek, Durham, Hillsboro and Forest Grove water resource recovery facilities as well as selected industrial discharges. The monitoring shows low levels of PFAS compounds at our facilities consistent with findings at other wastewater treatment facilities nationwide. As a follow-up, we’re conducting additional, more focused monitoring for PFAS. We’re also providing outreach to local industries to share findings and discuss options for reducing PFAS levels.

PFAS: ‘FOREVER AND EVERYWHERE CHEMICALS’ AND WATERSHED HEALTH