Category: PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroakyl Substances)

  • Drinking Water: PFAS

    Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade chemicals used in a wide variety of applications and industries. Common uses include foam used to fight fires, metal plating and coating formulations, polyurethane production, inks, varnishes, and lubricants. They can be found in cookware, food packaging, ski wax, and water- or stain-resistant fabric…

  • PFAS Workgroup

    The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) formed a workgroup in spring 2019 to evaluate the potential for environmental contamination in Utah from Per- and Polyfluoroakyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS are used in many consumer products and industrial processes to repel oil, water and grease, reduce friction, and resist temperature extremes. These compounds do not break down…

  • Health Effects of PFAS

    Concerns about the potential public health hazards of human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to increase as scientists learn more about these chemicals. The large number of PFAS compounds–over 6,000–present considerable challenges. The available toxicity and epidemiology data are currently limited to the evaluation of only a few chemicals. Different PFAS compounds…

  • Human Exposure to PFAS

    People can be exposed to PFAS from a variety of different sources. Most people are exposed to PFAS from drinking water and eating food that contains these chemicals. Drinking water can be a source of exposure in communities where these chemicals have contaminated water supplies. Such contamination is typically localized and associated with a specific…

  • Sources of PFAS

    PFAS are present in many consumer products. The number and variety of PFAS sources present considerable challenges for cleanup efforts and prevention measures. The major sources of PFAS contamination in drinking water, groundwater, soils, and air include: Fire training/fire response sites Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) have been used for many years by the U.S. military,…

  • PFAS Basics

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of everyday materials, including nonstick cookware, carpet, textiles, high-performance outdoor gear, coated paper and cardboard products, some firefighting foams, and a variety of cleaning products, paints, varnishes, and sealants. These compounds repel oil, water, grease, and stains, resist temperature…

  • Per- and Polyfluoroakyl Substances (PFAS)

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals used in a variety of everyday materials. PFAS compounds repel oil, water, grease, and stains, resist temperature extremes, and reduce friction.PFAS can be found in air, water, and soil. They are very stable and can stay in people’s bodies and the environment for…

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