PFAS in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Systemic environmental health disparities exist for residents of U.S. Tribal lands including access to safe public drinking water and differences in drinking water quality as compared to non-Tribal lands. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a leading emerging concern for drinking water. However, knowledge about PFAS contamination on Tribal lands is lacking, a shortcoming in environmental health research given the extent of PFAS contamination. METHODS: We comprehensively identified existing PFAS water testing programs, including academic institutions and federal agencies, to identify all existing testing of drinking and/or groundwater on Tribal lands and to understand factors that prompted testing. We examined the proximity of Indian Reservations to active U.S. military installations. Military installations, Indian Reservations, and known PFAS contamination site levels were mapped with ArcGIS using publicly available data. RESULTS:We identified limited existing PFAS testing on Tribal lands, including partnerships with academic research institutions, and completed and planned testing by government entities. Spatial analysis identified 58 Reservations were within six miles of an active military installation, including at least 18 installations with identified PFAS contamination and six with over 100,000 ppt PFAS detected in groundwater. CONCLUSIONS:Tribal Nations and their public water systems have been overlooked for systematic testing of PFAS, a large data gap. Tribal lands near military installations may be at increased risk of contamination. While efforts for increased testing by federal agencies exist, current programs are voluntary with little incentive for Tribal Nations to participate. While the EPA’s 2023-2025 testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule will have increased Tribal PWS inclusion, there is need for timelier PFAS testing. Recognition of the risks posed by PFAS contamination should inform policy change to protect American Indian and Alaska Native health. KEYWORDS: PFAS, environmental disparities, policy