PFAS Risk Communications Hub

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.

In 2018, ASTHO and the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) began a collaboration to develop this hub of PFAS risk communication resources. ASTHO and ECOS interviewed 6 states regarding their PFAS risk communication strategies, compiled case studies based on the lessons learned, and hosted a webinar to showcase these state case studies. In 2019, ASTHO developed a policy brief on state and federal PFAS regulations, along with hosting two webinars in 2019 and 2020 on states’ experiences with ATSDR’s PFAS Exposure Assessment Technical Tools. Also in 2019, ASTHO hosted a webinar to inform state and territorial health officials about various ongoing federal initiatives to address environmental PFAS contamination and associated human exposures. In 2020, ASTHO and ECOS published a series of FAQs to help state environmental and health agency staff communicate with the public, clinicians, legislators, and media about PFAS.

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.

Communicating with Different Audiences About PFAS

ASTHO Resources

Webinars

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Expanded PFAs Exposure Assessment in Pennsylvania Communities (2020)

ASTHO hosted a webinar with Pennsylvania Department of Health to discuss the results and lessons learned from expanded work in PFAS exposure assessment. Access the presentation slide deck (PDF)
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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. Access the presentation slide deck (PDF)
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Federal Initiatives to Address Environmental PFAS Contamination (2019)

ASTHO hosted a webinar to inform state and territorial health officials and their staff about various ongoing federal initiatives to address environmental PFAS contamination and associated human exposures.
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Communicating the Risks of PFAS (2019)

Case Studies from State Health and Environmental Agencies (2018): ASTHO and ECOS hosted a webinar to showcase state case studies on risk communication for PFAS.

Publications

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Approaches to Per- and Polyfluroalkyl Substances (2021)

This document includes key takeaways and summaries from multiple discussion sessions with state regulators, scientists, and community advocates, addressed PFAS in drinking water and underserved communities, risk communication, and toxicology, among other topics.

Access the document (PDF)

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.

Access the brief

PFAS Risk Communication Case Studies

Relevant Federal, State, and Partner PFAS Resources

General Risk Communication Resources
Drinking Water & PFAS-Specific Communication Resources
Templates for Town Hall Meetings & Media Advisories
Examples & Fact Sheets
Spanish Language Resources
  • Fact Sheets on Regulations, Guidance, and Advisories; History and Use; and Naming Conventions and Physical and Chemical Properties - ITRC
  • PFAS Family Tree (PDF) - ATSDR