Working with a community to assess the feasibility of a PFAS health study-an approach for incorporating community input

摘要

In February 2016, ATSDR began recruiting community volunteers to advise ATSDR and other agencies in addressing PFAS drinking water contamination, exposure, and possible adverse health outcomes. ATSDR asked community representatives to serve as members of a community assistance panel (CAP). Technical advisors who could assist the CAP members in reviewing the scientific information on PFAS and proposed health activities were also recruited. The purpose of the CAP was to provide a mechanism for the community to participate directly in ATSDR's health activities related to the exposures to the contaminated drinking water. The CAP would provide input at the ground-floor concerning possible health activities proposed by ATSDR. The CAP members would also work with ATSDR to gather and review community health concerns, provide information on how people might have been exposed to hazardous substances, and inform ATSDR how to involve the community. The first public meeting of the CAP occurred in May 2016. Since that time, additional community meetings have occurred; monthly conference calls have been ongoing; and community representatives and ATSDR scientists have worked to determine if a study is feasible that will address some of their concerns. This presentation will outline how the CAP was formed, how concerns were incorporated into the feasibility assessment, and the ups and downs along the way.