PFAS

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East Selah residents who raise animals or collect eggs at home may qualify for free PFAS testing of eggs and meat. Sign-up by February 27, 2026. See the Washington State Department of Health flyer for more details.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are a large family of human-made chemicals that have been used for many years to make stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick products. PFAS have also been used in some types of firefighting foams. 

Why Are We Concerned About PFAS?

PFAS can be released into the environment and home. Because they do not break down easily, PFAS can build up over time. High levels of PFAS in our bodies may increase the risk of:

• High cholesterol
• Low birth weight
• Weaker response to vaccines
• Liver damage
• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Thyroid issues
• Testicular and kidney cancer

PFAS in Drinking Water 

PFAS can get into groundwater from nearby contamination sources, such as industrial sites, areas where firefighting foams were used, landfills, or wastewater discharges. Once in the ground, PFAS can move through groundwater and into drinking water sources. 

PFAS in East Selah Wells

PFAS have been detected in some individual and shared wells in East Selah. If you live in this area, consider testing your well for PFAS. 

The map below highlights areas where YHD conducted water testing. The yellow area, previously sampled by the Yakima Training Center (YTC), has been an area of concern due to elevated PFAS levels in multiple private wells. To better understand potential impacts in surrounding neighborhoods, YHD expanded sampling into the orange, blue, and green areas.

Note: Because participation in the sampling project was voluntary, only a portion of wells in each area were tested. As a result, the findings may not fully represent PFAS detections in the area. 

Helpful Resources:

• Certified Drinking Water Testing Labs
• How to Understand Your PFAS Test Results
• Information for Buyers and Sellers
• PFAS Test Results for Group A Public Water Systems

Reducing Exposure from Drinking Water:

• PFAS in Household Drinking Water
• Home Water Treatment for PFAS
• PFAS Point-of-Use Filter Option

Filter Disposal

East Selah households with PFAS water filters may dispose of used filters at the Terrace Heights Landfill. Please contact the landfill at 509-574-2472 before dropping them off.

PFAS in Gardens and Animals

PFAS can enter gardens through contaminated water or soil. Some vegetables, especially leafy greens and root crops, can absorb PFAS. Animals can take in PFAS through drinking water or food, which may lead to PFAS in eggs, meat, or milk. PFAS can also build up in fish living in contaminated water.

Reducing Exposure from Gardens and Animals

• Use clean water for gardens and animals
• Grow food in raised beds with clean soil
• Wash produce well and peel root vegetables
• Follow fish consumption advisories in Washington State

For additional guidance, review: PFAS in Drinking Water: Safety questions about gardening, livestock, and pets.

PFAS in Household Products 

PFAS can also be found in household products such as non-stick cookware, cosmetics, clothing, furniture and cleaning products. 

PFAS in Non-stick Cookware

Some non-stick cookware, such as pots and frying pans, can contain PFAS and release them when:

• They are heated to very high temperatures, allowing PFAS to be released into the air
• The surface becomes chipped or scratched, causing the coating to flake into food

Reducing Exposure from Cookware

• Cook on low to medium heat
• Consider replacing non-stick cookware with stainless steel or cast iron
• Wash cookware with soft sponges or bristle brushes (avoid metal scrubbers)
• Use wooden or silicone utensils that won’t scratch the surface
• Ventilate your home. Open windows to circulate air and reduce chemical buildup indoors

Additional Tips for Household Products

• Buy PFAS-free consumer products, including cookware, clothing, and household items.
• Clean your home regularly. PFAS can collect in household dust and on soft materials like carpets and fabrics. Vacuum and dust often, wipe surfaces, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, especially in areas where children and pets spend time.
• Use PFAS-free cleaning products. Look for products labeled through EPA’s Safer Choice program.
• Leave shoes at the door. Shoes can track PFAS and other harmful chemicals into your home.