PFAS: What You Need to Know
*NOTE: This site will be continuously updated as new information becomes available [last updated May 2025]
What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or so-called “forever chemicals,” are human-made chemicals created to resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. PFAS is a large class of synthetic chemicals that have been used in manufacturing and added to consumer products since the 1940s.
Because of its beneficial properties, PFAS has been heavily used and is still being used. PFAS is everywhere and you are likely exposed to PFAS every day. About 98 percent of humans tested for PFAS have it in their bodies.
Common items that contain PFAS
- Non-stick cookware (e.g., frying pans)
- Waterproof and stain-resistant clothing
- Carpet, upholstery, and other fabrics
- Cleaners, paints, varnishes, and sealants
- Personal care products, including certain shampoo, dental floss, feminine products, and cosmetics
- Electronics, including cell phones
- Food and drink wrappers and packaging (fast food wrappers, takeout containers, pizza boxes, popcorn bags, etc.)
- Bottled drinks, including water
- Processed and packaged foods
- Seafood
- Rainwater and ocean water
Common Exposure Pathways
- Ingesting PFAS-contaminated water, soil, or dust
- Eating PFAS-contaminated foods
- Breathing PFAS-containing air
- Using products made with or packaged in PFAS
- Working in industries that use PFAS
What is the Risk?
Over-exposure to PFAS has been linked to several health issues. More information can be found on the Board of Water Supply PFAS Website.
PFAS in Wastewater
- Everyday our waste which may contain PFAS (from exposure or use) ends up in the wastewater collection system and eventually at a wastewater treatment plant
- Some industrial discharge (e.g., manufacturing, laundries, hauled liquid waste, etc.) and landfill leachate also enter the wastewater treatment plant
- Wastewater treatment plants are “Passive Receivers” and are not sources or generators of PFAS
PFAS in Biosolids
- Sludge from the wastewater treatment process goes to H-POWER or the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill (WGSL)
- Some sludge is converted to biosolids, which may be used to fertilize crops. Through fertilization, PFAS may:
- Persist in the environment
- Leach into groundwater
- Enter the food chain
PFAS in Refuse
- Products containing PFAS may end up in our trash and are processed at H-POWER or landfilled
- H-POWER incineration appears to reduce PFAS levels
- H-POWER ash goes to WGSL
PFAS Data
ENV has proactively sampled influent and effluent wastewater from various treatment plants and significant industrial users, landfill leachate, and sludge for PFAS to observe how much PFAS is in its systems. A summary of the latest results is presented below.
PFAS Regulations
ENV is complying with all PFAS regulations and will make adjustments to meet future regulatory limits. Currently, PFAS regulations only exist for drinking water. EPA is looking at developing regulations for both wastewater and biosolids.
Other PFAS References That May Be Of Interest
(ENV does not endorse any of these sites)