Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large group of different man made chemicals that are used in a variety of everyday materials. that have been used in products worldwide since the 1950s. Most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS and have PFAS in their blood.

There are over 4000 different PFAS that have been found. Even though there has been a decrease in the production and use of PFAS, people may be exposed to other kinds PFAS. can be found in rivers and lakes and in many types of animals on land and in the water. They stay in people's bodies and the environment for a long time.

Can be found in air, water and soil

1. Drinking contaminated municipal water or private well water
2. Eating fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS
3. Accidentally swallowing contaminated soil or dust
4. Eating food that was packaged in material that contains PFAS
5. Using some consumer products such as non-stick cookware, stain resistant carpeting, and water repellent clothing

Scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposure to PFAS. Some studies have shown that PFAS exposure can interfere with the body’s natural hormones; increase cholesterol levels; affect the immune system; and increase the risk of cancer

Check with your local health department on the levels of contaminants in the drinking water.

Check with your local or state health and environmental quality departments for fish recommendations in your area.

The Department of Environmental Quality put together a workgroup to develop a plan for PFAS in the state of Utah to monitor and report changes in contaminant levels of drinking water. A research study collected drinking water samples at Utah public water systems from 2013-2015. Although PFAS were very commonly found, it did not exceed the EPA limits.

Utah Department of Environmental Quality PFAS page

ATSDR PFAS page

ATSDR PFAS ToxProfile

CDC PFAS Fact Sheet

EPA PFAS page