Test Yourself What Do You Know About Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances?

Charlie Lee Martin Jr., Ph.D.

1. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for which suite of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?

a. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) b. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) c. Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) d. All the above

2. The proposed rule is expected to be finalized by the end of a. 2023. b. 2024. c. 2025. d. 2026.

3. The known health effects of PFAS include a. increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer. b. accelerated puberty or disrupted normal bodily hormone function. c. decreased fertility. d. all the above.

4. Humans can be exposed to PFAS via a. milk, cheese, and ice cream. b. pizza delivery boxes, hamburger wrapping, and microwave popcorn bags. c. drinking water private or public drinking water systems. d. all the above.

5. The EPA-proposed maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOA is a. zero. b. 4 parts per trillion (ppt). c. 1 ppt. d. 2 ppt.

6. The EPA-proposed MCL for PFOS is a. zero. c. 3 ppt. b. 1 ppt. d. 4 ppt.

7. The EPA-proposed rule concerning PFAS will require public water systems to a. provide treatment of drinking water that exceeds standards. b. provide notification of PFAS levels within drinking water. c. monitor water system for PFAS. d. all the above.

8. The PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been produced since the 1940s to manufacture a. water repellent boots, jackets, or pants. b. nonstick cookware. c. some cosmetics and shampoo. d. all the above.

9. The EPA-proposed MCL for PFNA is a. zero. b. 2 ppt. c. 1 (unitless) Hazard Index. d. 4 ppt.

10. The EPA-proposed MCL for HFPODA (common name: GenX chemicals) is a. 1 (unitless) Hazard Index. b. 1 ppt. c. 2 ppt. d. 4 ppt.

Answers on page 74

References used for this quiz:

• https://www.epa.gov/pfas

• https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained

• https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/healtheffects/index.html

• https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-currentunderstanding-human-health-andenvironmental-risks-pfas

(with the solution) by email to: charmartin@msn.com