Risk Communication Models for PFAS

Risk communication is a critical step in addressing contaminants of emerging concern, especially for high-profile compounds like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). There are differences in the messaging and methods by which environmental agencies and health departments share information with various audiences. Given the breadth of regulatory efforts, sampling strategies, and general involvement with PFAS, it is important to communicate best practices to help states effectively and efficiently address contamination.

ASTHO and the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) have collaborated to develop this hub of PFAS risk communication resources. We hope the materials on this site will help state environmental and health managers more easily collaborate and disseminate audience-appropriate information on chemicals of emerging concern.

PFAS Case Studies

In 2018, ASTHO and ECOS interviewed 6 states regarding their risk communication strategies and lessons learned for PFAS and compiled the following case studies:

ASTHO

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
• Minnesota Department of Health
• New York State Department of Health

ECOS

• Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
• New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

In 2019 ASTHO and the Environmental Council of States (ECOS) hosted a webinar to showcase state case studies on risk communication for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

ASTHO Resources

Webinars

• State Uses of the PFAS Exposure Assessment Technical Tools (2019): ASTHO hosted a webinar with New York and Pennsylvania Departments of Health to discuss insights from using the PFAS Exposure Assessment Technical Tools.

Briefs and Reports

• ASTHOBrief: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Contaminants of Emerging Concern (2019): This PFAS-focused brief highlights states’ emerging public health concerns and recent federal actions to protect communities.

Relevant Resources

State PFAS pages