PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—chemicals that don't break down in the environment or human body—are contaminating drinking water supplies across Alaska, particularly near military installations, airports, and firefighting training sites. These persistent chemicals have been linked to serious health effects including increased cancer risk, immune system suppression, developmental harms, and impacts on liver and thyroid function. Now, leading scientists and policymakers are coming together to help communities understand the risks and take action. What Are PFAS and Why Should Alaskans Care? PFAS are a class of highly persistent chemicals that have earned the nickname "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally in the environment or inside the human body. Once they enter drinking water systems, they can remain there indefinitely, accumulating in people's bodies over time. In Alaska, the concern is particularly acute near specific locations where these chemicals are commonly used or released. The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are significant and well-documented by scientific research. Beyond cancer risk and immune suppression, these chemicals can harm fetal development and affect critical organs like the liver and thyroid. This means that even low-level exposure over time can pose serious long-term health consequences for families relying on contaminated water sources. Where Is PFAS Contamination Happening in Alaska? Alaska faces unique challenges when it comes to PFAS contamination. The state's geography and industrial activities have created hotspots of concern in several communities. Contamination is particularly concentrated near three types of locations: - Military Installations: Armed forces bases use PFAS-containing firefighting foams and other materials that can leach into groundwater and drinking water supplies. - Airports: Commercial and military airports rely on aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) for fire suppression, which contain high concentrations of PFAS compounds. - Firefighting Training Sites: Facilities where firefighters practice emergency response often use the same PFAS-laden foams, creating localized contamination risks. These locations represent the primary sources of PFAS in Alaska's drinking water, making residents in nearby communities particularly vulnerable. How Do PFAS Move Through Water Systems and Into Our Bodies? Understanding how PFAS contamination spreads is crucial for communities trying to protect themselves. Anna Reade, the lead PFAS scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), is helping communities understand the science behind these chemicals. "PFAS move through water systems and the human body in ways that make them particularly dangerous," explains Reade, who works at the intersection of science and policy to reduce harmful chemical exposures. Her research focuses on developing tools and resources that help communities better understand their specific risks and take protective action. Once PFAS enter groundwater or surface water, they travel through the water system and can contaminate drinking water supplies serving entire communities. Inside the human body, these chemicals accumulate in organs and tissues, particularly in the liver and blood, where they can persist for years or even decades. What Are Communities and Policymakers Doing About It? Alaska's state government is taking the PFAS contamination issue seriously. Senator Scott Kawasaki of the Alaska State Senate, who was raised in Fairbanks and has long served Interior Alaska, is actively engaged in addressing the problem at the policy level. Kawasaki, who holds a degree in biomedical sciences from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, brings both scientific understanding and community perspective to the conversation. The state is working to develop comprehensive responses to PFAS contamination, though the challenge remains significant given the widespread nature of the problem and the persistence of these chemicals. Policymakers are exploring solutions that range from improved water treatment to stricter regulations on PFAS use and disposal. Steps to Protect Your Family From PFAS Contamination - Get Your Water Tested: If you live near a military installation, airport, or firefighting training site, contact your local water utility or health department to request PFAS testing of your drinking water supply. - Stay Informed About Local Policy: Attend community meetings and webinars hosted by environmental health organizations to learn about PFAS risks specific to your area and what local officials are doing to address them. - Consider Water Filtration Options: Certain water treatment systems can reduce PFAS levels in drinking water; consult with your water utility about available options and effectiveness for your specific situation. - Join Community Networks: Become part of organizations like the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE), which connects nearly 5,000 individuals and organizations across all 50 US states working to address environmental health impacts. How Can Alaskans Get Involved and Learn More? A comprehensive webinar titled "PFAS in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Science, and Solutions for Alaska and Beyond" is being held on March 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Alaska Daylight Time. The event will feature presentations from leading PFAS scientist Anna Reade and Senator Scott Kawasaki, providing clear, accessible information about drinking water safety, health concerns, and next steps for Alaska families. The webinar is open to anyone directly impacted by PFAS contamination or simply wanting to learn more about protecting their family's water supply. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in community discussion about solutions. For those interested in staying connected to ongoing environmental health issues, the Collaborative on Health and the Environment encourages people to become CHE partners. Partners receive monthly email newsletters, announcements about upcoming webinars, and updates on a range of environmental health topics affecting families across the country. PFAS contamination in Alaska's drinking water is a serious public health challenge, but communities have tools and expertise available to understand their risks and take protective action. By staying informed, getting involved, and supporting evidence-based policy solutions, Alaskans can work toward safer drinking water for current and future generations.
