THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE
Division on Earth and Life Studies and Health and Medicine Division
Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology and Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice
Committee on the Guidance on PFAS Testing and Health Outcomes
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Congressional Briefings
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 28, 2022 – 12:00 p.m.
andFriday, July 29, 2022 – 10:30 a.m.
via Zoom
and
Thursday, December 7, 2023
188 Russell Senate Office Bldg. – 9:30 a.m.
and
2043 Rayburn House Office Bldg. – 12:30 p.m.
on
Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up
In thousands of communities across the United States, drinking water is contaminated with chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are used in a wide range of products, such as non-stick cookware, water and stain repellent fabrics, and fire-fighting foam, because they have properties that repel oil and water, reduce friction, and resist temperature changes. PFAS can leak into the environment where they are made, used, disposed of, or spilled. PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of adverse health effects including certain cancers, thyroid dysfunction, changes in cholesterol, and small reductions in birth weight.
This new report, from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, recommends that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) update its clinical guidance to advise clinicians to offer PFAS blood testing to patients who are likely to have a history of elevated exposure, such as those with occupational exposures or those who live in areas known to be contaminated. If testing reveals PFAS levels associated with an increased risk of adverse effects, patients should receive regular screenings and monitoring for these and other health impacts. Further, the report recommends that the CDC, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and public health departments support clinicians by creating educational materials on PFAS exposure, potential health effects, the limitations of testing, and the benefits and harms of testing.
These briefings were for members of Congress and congressional staff only. The report was publicly released on July 28, 2022 and can be found, in its entirety, on the Web site of the National Academies Press.