Updates to DHS’ PFAS Hazard Index Approach and Associated PFAS Assessment Tool
This message is being sent to Tribal health directors and local health officers.
Hazard Index Approach
Earlier this month, Governor Evers announced that DHS had provided the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) updated public health groundwater standard recommendations for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).* As a result of the updated public health groundwater standard recommendations, we have made some changes to our PFAS hazard index calculation.
- The hazard index will no longer include PFOA, PFOS, and the four precursor PFAS**.
- The values used as the health risk thresholds for PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA are lower than previously used.
This memo from the DHS to DNR provides more information on these changes and lays out the rationale behind the changes.
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The hazard index is an assessment tool used to evaluate risk from exposure to multiple PFAS in drinking water. When the hazard index is greater than one, exposure to the water potentially poses an unsafe level of level of risk. In these cases, we recommend that people take action to reduce their exposure.
These actions include finding an alternative source of water for drinking, preparing foods that take up a lot of water, and watering fruit and vegetables gardens.
More information on these actions and others is available on our PFAS page.
PFAS Assessment Tool
To assist the public and partners in interpreting PFAS drinking water data, we have worked with the University of Wisconsin – Madison’s Sea Grant Institute to update the online tool that they created to calculate a hazard index from PFAS test results. The updated PFAS Assessment Tool is now live!
In addition to these resources, we are happy to help address any questions related to these recommendations or PFAS in general. Please do not hesitant to reach out if we can be of assistance.
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*Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS), Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid (HFPO-DA). HPFO-DA is also known by the trademark, GenX.
**Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), n-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (NEtFOSA), n-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA), and n-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanol (NEtFOSE).
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