Dangerous  “forever chemicals” – you may know them as  PFAS & PFOS – contaminate about half the tap water in the United States and are in thousands of household items.  But that’s just what the U.S. Geological Survey knows today.  A recent USGS study looked at only 32 of the 12,000 types of PFAS.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t go away – they don’t degrade – over the lifespan of the average human.  This is problematic because  PFAS exposure is linked to problems such as cancer, obesity, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, liver damage and hormone suppression and even how well your body responds to vaccines.[1]  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services determined long ago that health can be harmed at exposure levels far below the EPA current acceptable levels.[2]  The EPA claims it is now setting a non-enforceable goal of ZERO for PFOA and PFOS, two of the more known members of the PFAS family.[3]

A family (of 12,000!) the PFAS are synthetic chemicals were created to make life better for mankind.  You encounter these forever chemicals every day!  PFAS are found in hundreds of household items.  Indeed the PFAS problem is now as big as DDT was in the 1950’s and 1960’s. But DDT could also be considered a “forever chemical” as it is still showing up in food, water and almost everyone’s blood, even though it was banned in most countries over 40 years ago.[4]

They keep food from sticking to pans and food packaging, and they’re good at keeping grease and water from soaking through. Think about all the water repellent items in your business and household!  They are also used to make carpets and clothes stain-resistant. Mobile phones, commercial airplanes and low-emission vehicles also contain PFAS.  Unfortunately, studies say that 98% of the U.S. population is walking around with PFAS in them!  This is because they are in the foods you can buy at the grocery store or farmers market, and are even in our rainwater, dental floss and the dust that collects in our homes.[5]

PFAS in New Mexico
The highest concentrations of PFAS in New Mexico can be found downstream of urban centers says the USGS.  Samples have revealed rates 10 times higher than in other places. But every water body in the state is likely contaminated. The concentrations are constantly changing too.  For example, in the state’s fabled Rio Grande ever-changing concentration levels appear to be coming from wastewater being released into the river and stormwater runoff. It is believed that the Albuquerque metro area is the largest contributor to Rio Grande contamination.

PFAS Levels in Colorado’s Tap Water

Recent studies and reports have indicated that PFAS are present in drinking water across Colorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has conducted testing to assess the extent of PFAS contamination in public water systems.

Testing Results

A 2021 study by the CDPHE found that out of 81 public water systems tested, 37 systems detected PFAS, with varying concentrations. Notably, the concentrations of PFAS were below the federal health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for PFOA and PFOS combined. However, some localities reported higher levels:

• Denver Water: Detected PFAS levels averaging around 20 ppt.
• Boulder: Recorded levels of PFAS at 40 ppt.
• Colorado Springs: Registered peaks of up to 90 ppt in certain samples.

These findings indicate that while many systems are below the federal advisory, there are significant hotspots where PFAS levels warrant concern.

Health Implications

Research has linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, including:

• Endocrine disruption: PFAS can interfere with hormone function, potentially leading to developmental issues.
• Increased cholesterol levels: Studies have shown associations between PFAS exposure and elevated cholesterol.
• Immune system effects: PFAS may reduce vaccine response in children.
• Cancer risks: Some studies suggest a potential link between PFAS and certain types of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer.

The long-term effects of PFAS exposure are still being studied, but the existing body of research indicates significant cause for concern.

Regulatory Framework

Federal Regulations

The EPA’s approach to PFAS has evolved over the years. In 2021, the agency announced an action plan to address PFAS through regulatory measures, research, and community engagement. However, regulation of PFAS at the federal level remains limited, as there are currently no enforceable federal limits for PFAS in drinking water.

Colorado Regulations

In response to growing concerns, Colorado has taken proactive measures to manage PFAS contamination. The CDPHE has established:

• Advisory Levels: In 2020, Colorado set its own health advisory levels for PFOA and PFOS at 15 ppt for each compound, significantly lower than the EPA’s advisory.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Public water systems are required to test for PFAS and report their findings, contributing to state-wide data on contamination levels.

Local Initiatives

Several municipalities have also implemented local regulations to address PFAS. For instance, Boulder has initiated programs to reduce PFAS usage in firefighting foam and has begun community outreach to raise awareness about PFAS issues.

Sources of PFAS Contamination

PFAS contamination in Colorado primarily stems from:

• Industrial Discharges: Facilities that use or produce PFAS can release these chemicals into the environment.
• Firefighting Foam: Use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at airports and military bases has led to localized contamination.
• Landfill Leachate: PFAS can leach from landfills into groundwater, particularly those receiving industrial waste.

Mitigation Strategies

To combat PFAS contamination, Colorado has implemented several strategies:

1. Source Water Protection: Identifying and managing potential sources of PFAS contamination in drinking water sources.
2. Public Education: Increasing community awareness and understanding of PFAS through educational programs.
3. Investment in Treatment Technologies: Encouraging public water systems to invest in technologies like granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration and reverse osmosis to reduce PFAS levels in drinking water.

Future Directions

The ongoing challenge of PFAS contamination in Colorado necessitates continued research, regulation, and community engagement. Key areas for future focus include:

• Enhanced Monitoring: Expanding testing protocols for PFAS in drinking water to include more compounds and emerging contaminants.
• Research on Health Effects: Further studies are needed to elucidate the long-term health impacts of PFAS exposure, especially in vulnerable populations.
• Policy Development: Advocating for stronger federal regulations on PFAS to provide clearer guidance and enforcement mechanisms for states.

Conclusion

PFAS contamination poses a significant challenge to public health and environmental safety in Colorado. While levels in many public water systems remain below federal health advisory levels, localized hotspots and the potential health risks associated with these chemicals require immediate attention. Colorado’s proactive regulatory framework and community initiatives represent steps in the right direction, but the path forward will demand ongoing commitment, research, and collaboration among scientists, regulators, and the public.

[1]

[1] https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/studies-reveal-presence-and-distribution-pfas-new-mexicos-water-resources

[1] https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/chemical/pfas.htm

[2]   https://qz.com/1381593/the-ddt-of-this-generation-is-contaminating-water-all-over-the-us-and-australia

[3]   https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-04/drinking-water-utilities-and-professionals-technical-overview-of-pfas-npdwr.pdf

[4] https://qz.com/1381593/the-ddt-of-this-generation-is-contaminating-water-all-over-the-us-and-australia

[5]

• Fast-food boxes, including pizza boxes
• microwave popcorn bags
• other grease-resistant paper for food prep
• non-stick cookware
• fire-fighting foams
• electronics – including your cell phone!
• rain resistant fabrics for umbrellas, tents, rain jackets
• stain-resistant coatings used on many fabrics including drapes, carpets and upholstery
• furniture
• varnish
• wall paint
• household, office and industrial dust
• mattress pads
• cleaning products such as dishwasher and laundry detergent
• guitar strings
• plumber’s tape

• eye makeup
• nail polish
• dental floss
• shampoo
• toilet paper
• menstrual care products
• sticky notes
• candy wrappers
• and your food including fish and dairy
• sports bras and yoga pants
• purses, backpacks, luggage