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Managing PFAS Concerns in Your Community

5 COMMON RESIDENT QUESTIONS

By Miles Jensen

It’s in the headlines, across social media, and a growing topic of unease around the dinner table — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The number of people who are not only aware of PFAS but actively engaged in learning more about how these “forever chemicals” are impacting the health and safety of their families and communities is quickly increasing. Being prepared to address resident concerns will help foster trust and engagement to tackle PFAS head-on as a united collective.

QUESTION 1: Do we have PFAS in our community?

Before considering this first question, it’s important to have an educated, basic understanding of what the broad term of PFAS encompasses, where it has been found, the risks associated, etc. Reliable resources for this include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The CDC has recognized that most U.S. residents have been exposed to PFAS in some form — it has been found in all 50 states and in the bloodstreams of 97% of U.S. residents. So, it’s safe to say your answer to this first inquiry will be “yes.” Begin from a place of honesty by recognizing that PFAS is now everywhere.

QUESTION 2: What are we doing as a community to protect ourselves or clean up any known contaminants?

Community members will want to know you have developed a plan with actionable items to combat PFAS. This is your opportunity to highlight steps your municipality is taking to implement best practices and share additional efforts to identify potential risks. These may include:

  • Improvements to your water treatment system to administer PFAS-testing practices and remove these chemicals from drinking water.
  • Any steps you are taking to engage and work with industries in your area that have historically used PFAS, while learning more about phase-out measures, disposal methods, and safer alternatives.
  • How your wastewater management facility is combating PFAS so as not to cause further environmental exposure.

QUESTION 3: Am I at risk for contamination, and what are the potential health impacts of PFAS exposure?

The EPA has stated that current scientific research shows a range of adverse health effects linked to PFAS exposure. While the exposure risk for most individuals is relatively low, the range and severity of these outcomes will depend on the level and length of exposure. The impacts of PFAS will be felt differently in each community based on location, air conditions, water quality, proximity to exposure sites, etc. Doing your due diligence by seeking advice from local authorities, universities, environmental agencies, and health professionals will inform your plan to manage PFAS and build a reliable network to consult with as information changes.

QUESTION 4: How is our community being informed and educated about PFAS risks?

Having a plan to keep residents informed about PFAS regulations and guidance is essential to establishing a trustful relationship. No matter where you’re at in the development of a communication plan, reliable and timely updates need to be put in place. Additionally, providing a point of contact who can be easily reached and dependably respond to resident questions is a key part of this process.

Your methods of information distribution will depend on the needs of your community. Possible tools you can use to communicate with residents include:

  • Building a webpage on a community website.
  • Holding community meetings virtually, in person, or both. Consider inviting local experts from health, environmental, or academic institutions to participate in Q&A discussions.
  • Mailing out informational brochures in several languages.
  • Utilizing local news outlets.

QUESTION 5: What can I, as a citizen, do to help?

The wonderful thing about establishing open communication is it builds a connected community where members feel activated, engaged, and eager to get involved. Because of this, offering residents practical steps they can take in their daily lives to minimize exposure will provide a sense of control and choice while yielding long-term benefits.

Here are six easy steps residents can take to avoid using and spreading PFAS:

  • Instead of using nonstick cookware, consider using ceramic-coated or PFOA-free cookware.
  • Avoid using dental floss that contains the chemical PTFE.
  • Make your own popcorn; most microwave popcorn bags contain PFAS.
  • Make sure your outdoor or hiking gear is PFAS-free.
  • Bring your own to-go food containers to restaurants.
  • Research the names of common PFAS chemicals and read product labels, especially those with stain-resistant coatings, to limit PFAS exposure.

Challenging? Yes. Impossible? No.

PFAS is a daunting issue to tackle, so don’t try to do it alone. Reach out to professionals in the field to help build an actionable plan based on the unique needs of your community. Remember that PFAS is something that can be managed, mitigated, and eventually overcome.

Miles Jensen is a senior project manager and water engineer at SEH (sehinc.com). SEH is a member of the League’s Business Leadership Council (lmc.org/sponsors).