983667 - Evaluating the Presence and Exposure Risk of PFAS Compounds in Rural and Peri-urban Settings

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that includes PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, among others. PFAS have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries since the 1940s due to their desirable properties of heat, friction, and water resistance. Because of their carbon-fluorine bonds, PFAS chemicals are persistent and accumulate in the environment as well as in the human body. This exposure to PFAS chemicals, even in small amounts, is of public health concern as even low concentrations of PFAS in the body can lead to significant, adverse health effects such as thyroid disorders, heighted blood pressure in pregnant women, and changes liver enzymes.
The study presented in this paper evaluates the presence and concentration of PFAS compounds throughout the Cache Valley in Northern Utah. The Cache Valley is a historically agricultural community with a medium sized research University and attracting new high-tech, biotechnology, and environmental companies. Although the historical manufacturing, aviation, or firefighting sectors that have been associated with PFAS contamination are not located in Cache Valley, this study seeks to quantify the significance of PFAS exposure in this rural/peri-urban environment typical of much of the Intermountain West.
This study analyzed and effluent wastewater samples, biosolids from wastewater treatment plants from throughout the Cache Valley, leachate and leachate treatment pond sediments from the recently closed Cache Valley Subtitle D landfill, vegetable and soil samples from individual gardens throughout a community using treated wastewater effluent for irrigation water, and rainwater samples collected from throughout the Valley. Nearly half of the PFAS compounds (10 of 21) being analyzed were detected in both the and effluent of the valley wastewater treatment plants, as were a variety of PFAS compounds in the landfill leachate and leachate treatment pond sediments, home garden vegetables, and rainfall samples.
A summary of results from all environmental media will be presented in this presentation along with potential exposure scenarios as well as corresponding human health risks for populations residing in the Cache Valley. Implications of findings for residents of similar communities throughout the Intermountain West will also be discussed.