Like water bodies in all industrialized areas, the Tualatin River watershed is facing growing concern over emerging contaminants—specifically PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-q). These substances, often undetectable by traditional water quality monitoring, pose significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in non-stick coatings, firefighting foams, and water-resistant materials. Their persistence in the environment allows them to accumulate in water bodies, where they have been linked to serious human health issues such as cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system effects.
Read more about the work that Tualatin Riverkeepers and its partners are doing to protect this river and watershed that we all love.
