Alaska will start monitoring villages for PFAS in anticipation of new EPA rules

By Michael Fanelli | Alaska Public Media | July 20, 2023

Read the full article by Michael Fanelli (Alaska Public Media)

"Beginning this fall, the state Department of Environmental Conservation will test the drinking water in 193 Alaska Native villages to identify levels of PFAS contamination.

PFAS are present in all sorts of household items with waterproof coatings — ranging from rain jackets to cookware — and have been linked to cancer and other health issues by the EPA. 

The bigger threat to Alaska communities though is the presence of these “forever chemicals” in a foam used in airport fire extinguishers.

Cindy Christian, who manages the state’s Drinking Water Program, said PFAS are still used in fighting fuel-based fires at military facilities or airports — which Alaska has a lot of."

Location:

• North AmericaUSAlaska

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Products
• ProductsFirefighting foam
• ProductsOutdoor gear
• ProductsTextiles
• SourcesMilitary bases
• Environment
• Wildlife
• Affected community
• Health
• AgenciesEPA
• Measurement Techniques
• Monitoring Data