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KITTITAS COUNTY <br />JOINT BOARD OF HEALTH / BOCC <br />STAFF REPORT <br />Public Health Office <br />BOARD OF HEALTH DATE: 3/19/2026 <br />TOPIC: Overview of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) <br />ACTION REQUESTED: No action, information only <br />LEAD STAFF: <br />Jesse Cox, Environmental Health Manager <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />No Recommendation, informational only. <br />BRIEFING SUMMARY: <br />Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of artificial chemicals <br />widely used in industrial processes and consumer products for their resistance to heat, water, and <br />oil. Due to their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts, PFAS have become <br />an emerging public health and regulatory focus at the federal and state levels. This briefing <br />provides a brief overview of what PFAS are, why they are a concern, and how exposure can <br />occur. <br />BACKGROUND: <br />PFAS have been manufactured and used since the 40s and 50s in products such as nonstick <br />cookware, stain -resistant fabrics, food packaging, firefighting foams, and other various industrial <br />applications. They are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because their chemical structure <br />makes them highly resistant to environmental breakdown. Their persistence allows PFAS to <br />accumulate in soil, groundwater, surface water, wildlife, and the human body over time. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />Human exposure to PFAS most commonly occurs through drinking water, certain foods, <br />consumer products, and occupational settings. Research has associated specific PFAS <br />compounds with potential health effects including immune system impacts, elevated cholesterol, <br />developmental effects, and increased risk of certain cancers. <br />Regulatory activity is ongoing. The US Environmental Protection Agency has established <br />enforceable drinking water standards for selecting PFAS compounds, and states continued to <br />develop monitoring, investigation, and response frameworks. Local health jurisdictions may <br />encounter PFAS in the context of drinking water oversight, or community concerns. <br />FISCAL IMPACTS: <br />None at this time. <br />ATTACHMENTS: None <br />Page 1 of 1 <br />19 <br />