[Comic by Public Health—Seattle & King County. Artwork by Amy Camber]

King County has launched a new website to empower residents with the information they need to protect themselves and their families from PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals known as "forever chemicals." Found in everyday products like food packaging, cosmetics, cookware, and firefighting foam, PFAS can persist in the environment for centuries, causing harmful effects on human health and wildlife.

The website offers King County residents a comprehensive resource to learn more about the dangers of PFAS, what the County is doing to address PFAS contamination, and actionable steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to PFAS.

Why PFAS are a concern

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used for their durability and resistance to water, grease, and stains. However, these same properties make them difficult to break down, leading to their nickname, “forever chemicals.” Nearly all Americans have PFAS in their blood, and research links these chemicals to serious health risks, including: 

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Thyroid disease
• Reproductive and developmental problems
• Cancer risks, particularly for prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers

With PFAS widely present in the environment, including in drinking water and local wildlife, this new website is a timely tool for King County residents concerned about their health and the environment.

What King County is doing about PFAS

King County has ramped up efforts to tackle PFAS contamination by:

• Testing and Monitoring: The County is testing water, soil, and local fish to better understand the extent of PFAS contamination.
• Research and Innovation: Through a partnership with the University of Washington, new technology is being developed to detect PFAS in everyday products.
• Policy and Legal Action: King County supports local and national legislation aimed at banning PFAS from products like firefighting foam and food packaging. The County has also filed a federal lawsuit to hold PFAS manufacturers accountable for environmental contamination.

How you can get involved

The new website provides practical tips and resources for residents looking to reduce their exposure to PFAS. Visitors can find:

• Lists of common products containing PFAS and safer alternatives
• Updates on King County’s PFAS testing and research efforts
• Information on local policies and legislation focused on eliminating PFAS

By staying informed and taking simple steps, King County residents can help protect their health and contribute to a cleaner, safer environment.

Visit the PFAS website for more information

Residents are encouraged to visit the new website to learn more about the County’s work on PFAS and how they can make safer choices in their daily lives. Whether you’re looking for guidance on avoiding products with PFAS or want to stay updated on local policy changes, the website offers a one-stop resource for keeping you informed.

For more information, contact:
Hannah Scholes, Policy Analyst, King County Solid Waste Division 
Email: hscholes@kingcounty.gov | Phone: 206-477-7980 

Tristen Pamphlet-Gardner, Policy Liaison, Hazardous Waste Management Program 
Email: tgardner@kingcounty.gov | Phone: 206-263-0400 

Explore the site today and join the effort to reduce PFAS exposure in King County.