In mid-2023, the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) secured a sampling grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The grant was dedicated to funding sampling efforts aimed at testing groundwater and surface water within Pueblo County. The full results of the testing are available in the link below.
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, constitute a diverse group of human-made chemicals that have seen extensive use in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. These chemicals are pervasive in our environment and are associated with specific health impacts. Most notably, PFAS has been found in toxic firefighting foam and a wide range of products, including water and stain-resistant carpets and clothing. These chemicals have become a concern due to their widespread presence in the environment and the health risks associated with them.
Research indicates that most people living in the United States have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Individuals residing in communities exposed to PFAS contamination, whether through water or other sources, face an elevated risk of health impacts. This risk is particularly pronounced for children aged 0-5 years, as well as for pregnant individuals, those planning to become pregnant, and breastfeeding mothers.