The recent front-page article on the state’s rollback of PFAS (polyfluoro alkyl substances) standards for drinking water and the op-ed by commissioners Jason Brune and John Mackinnon shows the Dunleavy administration to be more concerned about reducing confusion among agencies than reducing the risk that Alaskans will be exposed to toxic chemicals in their drinking water.
The PFAS compounds used in firefighting foams are considered “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment. Concentrations of these chemicals in groundwater are not going to diminish by the time the Environmental Protection Agency acts. In fact, while the EPA evaluates whether or not to establish enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS, the chemicals will continue to build up in the bodies of Alaskans who are unknowingly drinking contaminated water.
In a draft toxicity report on PFAS, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found that EPA’s current health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS (the most well-studied PFAS compounds) is at least six times too high to protect human health. Peer-reviewed scientific studies suggest a health-protective standard of just 1 to 5 ppt.
Firefighting foam formulations have changed over time and now contain PFAS compounds other than PFOA and PFOS (PFOA was phased out in 2015 and PFOS in 2002), yet the state will now only be testing for these two. There is no reason to assume that the replacement PFAS compounds are safe, as they share many chemical properties with PFOA and PFOS. Prior to rolling back health-based action levels, the state was testing for an additional four other PFAS to determine whether alternative drinking water should be supplied. To apply a lesser standard of protection to those residents whose drinking water is tested after the rollback is unconscionable.
The administration wants to wait for “better” toxicity data. Would you rather have it proven that your family has been drinking contaminated water, or take precautions now?
— Pamela K. Miller
Executive Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics
Anchorage
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