Joint agency statement on new interim federal guidance for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) issuance of new interim health-based guidance values for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances today, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued this statement:

We appreciate EPA’s efforts to provide federal health-based guidance on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We also appreciate EPA’s efforts to incorporate the latest scientific understanding of these persistent chemicals and their effects on human health.

Minnesota has long been a leader in recognizing the impacts of PFAS and acting to protect Minnesotans. We have tracked the latest scientific evidence and provided recommendations to help Minnesotans avoid harmful exposures. We will continue that work by reviewing EPA’s methods and analysis for these new values and conducting our own analyses of all relevant data. We recognize that emerging science may indicate a need for lower health-based values at the state level as well. With that in mind, we will conduct a rigorous review process and share our recommendations as soon as they are available.

More information about PFAS and drinking water can be found on the MDH website at Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. The MDH website also includes an interactive dashboard that shows the status and results of PFAS testing in Minnesota drinking water systems.