By John M. Kennish
In 11th grade I decided to major in chemistry. I was astounded that it was possible to explain how nature worked by using evidence from experimental protocols when it was not actually possible to see the molecules. Curiosity and challenge motivated me toward a career in chemistry. I spent over 50 years in study, teaching and research. I never intended to one day use my understanding to encourage legislators to solve the significant PFAS contamination problem in Alaska. I also never imagined that a group of chemicals known as PFAS would contaminate the drinking water of communities across Alaska. These compounds are now the most significant contaminant in the state.
As this legislative session begins, I am resolved to do everything I can to advocate for strong legislation that will address PFAS contamination in our drinking water and ultimately our bodies. Members of the Alaska State Legislature need to understand the urgency and must help by scheduling committee hearings and ensuring passage of strong legislation early in the current session.
As a chemistry professor, I can’t resist providing a short PFAS 101 lesson. PFAS is an abbreviation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a complex group of more than 9,000 substances made by chemical corporations and used in many household products such as food packaging, pots and pans, personal care products, clothes, and outdoor gear. PFAS are also used as firefighting foams on military bases and airports. PFAS chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they are highly persistent.
Scientific evidence demonstrates that PFAS compounds are toxic at very low exposure levels and are linked with harmful health effects such as thyroid disease, decreased fertility, kidney and testicular cancer, increased risk of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. In a recent study conducted in Washington State, one hundred percent of breast milk samples tested positive for PFAS. We are all exposed to this dangerous class of chemicals, and we must take measures to reduce our exposures.
In Alaska, dispersive uses of PFAS-based firefighting foams are the primary source of water contamination, and causing harmful exposures to fish, wildlife, and people. PFAS are contaminating drinking and surface waters at over 100 individual sites in nearly 30 locations across Alaska. At least ten Alaska communities have PFAS in their drinking water at levels deemed unsafe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Little is being done in Alaska to address this immense problem of PFAS contamination, but plenty can be done. For the last several years, residents of Alaska, including me, have been asking our own elected officials for immediate help by passing legislation that will mitigate PFAS contamination now.
Other states have surpassed the bills being considered by our legislators. In early 2022, Alaska lawmakers can pass a bill, with an appropriate level of protection, that includes enforceable,
protective drinking water quality standards specifically addressing PFAS. The legislature can phase out PFAS in fire-fighting foam that caused most of the contamination in Alaska and prevent further harm and liability. Nine states have already accomplished this. There are safe and effective PFAS-free alternatives for firefighting foams that are available and in use on military installations, major airports, and oil and gas facilities all over the world.
Every Alaskan needs to join me in asking your own elected officials to help protect you and your families now by passing legislation this session. Ask them to support House Bill 171 and Senate Bill 121, to schedule committee hearings and pass this legislation early in the session. Ask the bill sponsors to strengthen measures in the legislation to make sure that it provides the saftest protection possible. As a scientist, I am aware that we are all exposed to PFAS contamination and that there are ways to prevent this. As a parent and grandparent, I know everyone has the right to clean water and a reduction in chemical exposure. As a scientist, constituent, and Alaskan, I say, it’s not too much to ask.
• John M. Kennish is a retired chemistry professor and a 42-year resident of Anchorage. Columns, My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire. Have something to say? Here’s how to submit a My Turn or letter.
