The Water & Health Advisory Council recently responded to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Request for Data on PFAS, contributing scientific perspectives to support WHO’s development of health-based values for PFAS in drinking water.
As part of WHO’s call for information, the Council submitted scientific perspectives on PFAS toxicity, exposure, occurrence, implementation considerations and public health prioritization. While this information was originally developed in the context of U.S. drinking water regulation, the underlying science and broader public health considerations are relevant to WHO’s evaluation. Because WHO guidance informs drinking water policies around the world, we believed it was important to contribute our perspectives to the evidence review process.
Our submission emphasizes the need for a strong scientific foundation when evaluating health risks associated with low-level PFAS exposure, meaningful public health risk reduction, consideration of implementation costs and feasibility, and prioritization of limited resources toward actions that deliver the greatest public health benefit.
The Council supports action where PFAS contamination presents a clear, demonstrated public health concern. As WHO’s evaluation moves forward, we encourage a transparent, science-based and risk-informed approach that carefully considers the available evidence alongside practical implementation considerations.
We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important process and stand ready to provide additional technical expertise as WHO’s evaluation continues.