Risk Assessment of PFAS and Management Implications

This technical report presents a risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and discusses the implications for risk management. The document outlines the evolving knowledge regarding the toxicity of PFAS and its impact on regulations across the United States. It details the methodology used to evaluate PFAS risks, employing a hypothetical groundwater data set to select chemicals of potential concern (COPCs) and estimate associated risks and hazards based on EPA Regional Screening Levels (RSLs) and toxicity criteria. The report compares risk assessments from different states, specifically Hawaii and Texas, highlighting the differences in screening criteria and toxicity values. It emphasizes how these variations affect risk management decisions and the challenges faced in multistate site management. Additionally, the report addresses the implications of health advisories and proposed regulations for PFAS, including the designation of certain substances as hazardous under CERCLA. The findings indicate the need for careful consideration of regulatory variability in risk characterization and management decisions.