Title: PFAS in Iowa: There is much work to be done

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, are a family of several thousand chemicals made primarily of carbon and fluorine atoms that have been widely used in industry and commerce since at least the 1950s. Popularly referred to as "forever chemicals" because of their general resistance to degradation, PFAS chemicals pose a significant ecological and human health threat due to their toxicity and bioaccumulative potential. For example, because of their widespread detection in drinking water resources across the United States, the US Environmental Protection Agency has recently finalized drinking water standards for two PFAS chemicals, PFOS and PFOA, at 4 nanograms per liter (or 4 parts per trillion). This talk will focus on the current state of knowledge about the occurrence of PFAS chemicals in Iowa, building off several research studies conducted at the University of Iowa Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination. In addition to highlighting known instances of PFAS contamination in Iowa, the talk will also discuss current data gaps and research needs to more fully characterize the risks posed to Iowans by PFAS chemicals in our air, water, soil and food.