PFAS and health risks
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals used in many industries and everyday items. They are good at repelling oil, water, grease, and stains, can handle both high and low temperatures and reduce friction. One common characteristic of PFAS is that they break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time.
Even though PFAS containing products are not manufactured in Utah, many businesses in the state likely use them. In the past, military bases and airports in Utah used firefighting foam that contained PFAS.
Learn more on EPA’s PFAS website
Common sources of PFAS
- Nonstick cookware
- Water/stain-resistant fabric treatments
- Grease-resistant food packaging
- Ski wax
- Some fire-fighting foams
- Industrial processes
Health effects
Studies have found the health effects of PFAS exposure may include:
- Increased cholesterol
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Decreased infant birth weight
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Increased high blood pressure in pregnant women
- Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
Find more about exposure, testing, and health resources
Drinking water
Most test results from Utah drinking water currently fall well below Environmental Protection Agency advisory limits for the PFAS measured, indicating a low risk for human exposure to PFAS through Utah’s drinking water.
Future PFAS monitoring activities in Utah will include broader monitoring of drinking water sources, analysis of fish and waterfowl tissue, and municipal wastewater sources.
- We will continue to monitor PFAS in drinking water.
- We are working with drinking water utilities to meet the new EPA requirements for PFAS monitoring.
- We monitor PFAS levels using EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5).
See which facilities have sampled their water on our PFAS Sampling Map
Questions about your drinking water?
PFAS Workgroup
In the spring of 2019, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) began to look into whether Utah might have pollution from PFAS.
DEQ brought together experts from water, waste, and health, and collected information about sources of PFAS in Utah. They looked into:
- Old and new PFAS
- How to test for PFAS
- Likely sources of PFAS e.g. firefighting foams, industrial sites
- Other PFAS exposure points
The Reconnaissance Plan is in place to test drinking water wells, monitor PFAS in Utah and engage with public feedback. The plan and comments are can be viewed below.
- Reconnaissance Plan for Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Utah
- Responses to Public Comments
- Sampling and Analysis Plan – Statewide PFAS Monitoring Phase I: Drinking Water Systems