Understanding Airway Heights PFAS Contamination (748 words)

Airway Heights, Washington, sits next to Fairchild Air Force Base. This proximity unfortunately led to PFAS contamination in the city’s drinking water. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) considers PFAS levels in drinking water when selecting sites for exposure assessments. Airway Heights was chosen due to AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) used for firefighter training at the base since the 1970s. The foam seeped into the groundwater, affecting nearby municipal wells.

Is Airway Heights Water Safe Now?

The good news is that action was taken quickly. When PFAS were detected in May 2017, contaminated wells were shut down. Residents received bottled water until the issue was resolved in June 2017. Currently, Airway Heights water meets the EPA’s 2016 health advisory for PFAS. The city has even brought some wells back online, equipped with treatment systems to continuously remove any remaining PFAS.

The ATSDR investigated the impact by collecting samples and data from 333 residents across 168 households. They discovered Airway Heights residents had PFAS blood levels up to 56 times higher than the national average, linked to past contamination. However, water samples collected in 2019 by the EPA showed levels below health advisories.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

PFAS health risks aren’t immediate, but long-term exposure can have serious consequences. Here are some potential effects:

• Cancers: Long-term exposure may increase the risk of kidney and testicular cancers.
• Liver Damage: PFOA and PFOS exposure have been linked to liver damage in humans and animals.
• Hormonal Disruption: These chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances.
• Immune System Effects: Exposure may weaken the immune system.
• Developmental Effects: Prenatal exposure may harm fetal development.
• Reproductive Issues: Exposure may affect fertility, pregnancy, and hormone levels.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Long-term exposure may be linked to thyroid disorders, cholesterol problems, and metabolic syndrome.
• Neurological Effects: Studies suggest PFAS exposure may contribute to neurological disorders.

Taking Action to Protect Yourself

While government agencies address contamination, residents can take steps to minimize exposure, especially those near military bases or heavy industry:

• Certified Water Filters: Install and maintain a filter certified to remove PFOA and PFOS (NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58).
• Test private Wells: Consider testing private wells for PFAS contamination. Contact your local health department or a certified lab for assistance.
• Minimize Exposure: Avoid using contaminated water for drinking or cooking until the issue is resolved.
• Boil Water with Caution: Boiling doesn’t remove PFAS and may concentrate them. Avoid extended boiling.
• Stay Informed: Follow water quality updates from local authorities and heed their advice.
• Avoid Contaminated Water Recreation: Refrain from swimming or recreation in potentially contaminated water bodies.
• Report Concerns: Notify your local water utility or environmental agency if you suspect PFAS contamination.

Government Intervention and Regulation

Municipal water system operators are continuously monitoring PFAS concentrations to ensure they stay below EPA limits. Additionally, the ATSDR met with residents in 2022 to discuss PFAS exposure and held discussions with healthcare providers to better serve the community’s health needs.

As a citizen, you can advocate for measures to reduce pollution from factories, farms, and waste disposal sites. Support cleanup efforts and initiatives focused on preventing further contamination. Early detection through proactive testing can significantly reduce exposure risks.

Municipal Water Systems Response

Municipal water facilities are now required to perform regular PFAS testing for public water supplies. Alternative treatment technologies are also being investigated as a potentially less expensive option compared to traditional filtration systems. The Department of Defense has even funded filtration systems for some private wells with high contamination levels.

Individual Protective Measures

Staying informed is the first step. Learn about PFAS exposure sources and consider installing a proper water filtration system. Explore options available from companies like H2O Solutions and EcoWater Systems. You can also find testing kits from SimpleLab.

By following these steps, you can take control and minimize your personal exposure to PFAS.

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