Chemicals from firefighting foam and other sources
Coloradans face an emerging public health challenge from a family of chemicals found in toxic firefighting foam and other sources. The chemicals are known scientifically as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Learn more about these chemicals and the department’s actions to reduce exposure below.
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New - PFAS Grant Program
This program provides funding opportunities for sampling efforts to test groundwater and surface water, water treatment infrastructure, and emergency assistance for communities and water systems affected by these chemicals.
Takeback Program
Through the new Takeback Program, CDPHE will now pay eligible Colorado fire departments to take unspent firefighting foam containing PFAS out of service and safely store it until we know of a safe disposal method and can collect it for transport and safe disposal.
Adams County Sampling Project
We are partnering with the Tri-County Health Department to sample for these chemicals in groundwater in Adams County.
El Paso County Exposure Assessment
The CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) completed an Exposure Assessment of people living near Peterson Air Force Base in El Paso County, Colorado.
Certificate of Registration Program
Anyone using or storing Class B firefighting foam containing PFAS must register through the Certificate of Registration Program.
Discharge permits (CDPS permitting)
We have started to require monitoring and limits for PFAS in discharge permits.
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Resources
- Report known or suspected PFAS contamination
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If you know of or suspect PFAS contamination, please email the location and information to david.dani@state.co.us.