Input Sought on PFAS Action Plan

The Wisconsin PFAS Action Council (WisPAC) is developing a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) action plan to identify priority actions in response to growing concerns about PFAS.

In August, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order 40 directing the state’s Department of Natural Resources to establish WisPAC to coordinate a state multi-agency effort to address PFAS. A specific requirement of this work is developing a PFAS action plan for the state, which is to be completed by June 30, 2020.

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used for decades in numerous products, including nonstick cookware, fast-food wrappers, stain-resistant sprays and some types of firefighting foam. More than 30 PFAS-contaminated sites have been identified in Wisconsin. 

PFAS can persist in the environment and human body for long periods, and recent scientific findings indicate that exposure to certain PFAS may have harmful health effects in humans. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to some PFAS substances above certain levels may increase the risk of adverse health effects such as thyroid disease, low birthweights and cancer.

The first phase of plan development will focus on collecting input from a broad audience to identify priorities in response to PFAS. An online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/PC67F6N has been created to collect public input through midnight on Feb. 21, 2020.