CO SCOPE
Colorado Study on Community Outcomes from PFAS Exposure
Contact us:
719-425-8828
coscope@cuanschutz.edu
CO SCOPE is part of a nationwide study funded by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. CO SCOPE is concerned with the communities in Fountain Valley that were exposed to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their drinking water as a result of firefighting foam used at a nearby air force base.
The video recording and resources from the April 2024 Community Meeting on the PFAS results are available below.
Data collection began in October 2021 and was completed on September 30, 2023.
PFAS results were mailed out in February 2024.
Over the next year, we will be organizing all the data and looking at the relationship between PFAS and health outcomes for Colorado and all study sites combined.
Eligibility Criteria
Video Dated January 2022.
As of September 30, 2023.
Who was eligible?
Recruitment began October 2021 and ended September 30, 2023. We recruited adults (ages 18+) and children (ages 4-17) who lived in the Fountain, Security, Stratmoor Hills, and Widefield areas between 2006 and October 2015. Children whose mothers were pregnant with them and living in the area during this time may also be eligible to participate.
Those who were ever employed as a firefighter, ever participated in fire training exercises using Aqueous Film-Forming Foam Concentrates (AFFF), or were ever employed in industrial facilities that used PFAS chemicals in the manufacturing process were not eligible .
What happened after someone signed up to participate?
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Study team members scheduled and administered an eligibility screening over the phone, then scheduled a phone questionnaire and a study office visit. The questionnaire was conducted during the office visit or by phone.
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During the study office visit the study participant was asked to provide a blood sample, urine sample, and body measurements.
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If the study participant was a child or adolescent, they also completed a neurobehavioral assessment, which includes a series of behavioral, learning, and memory games.
What did participants receive in exchange for their time participating?
Adult participants received up to $75 in gift cards for completing all parts of the study. Children participants received up to $100 in gift cards for completing all parts of the study. Participants will also receive a personalized report with their lipid panel and PFAS blood test results within 12 months of their study appointment.
What was the focus of this research?
The researchers collected participant data on lipids, kidney function, liver function, thyroid and sex hormones, glucose and insulin parameters, markers of immune function, as well as neurobehavioral outcomes in children.
Community Engagement
Community Advisory Panel: Members & Affiliations:
The community advisory panel is a diverse group of individuals who were selected to represent the community and share questions, concerns and advice with the study team. The community advisory panel is facilitated by study consultant Kristi Celico and meets periodically to discuss study progress. These meetings are open to the public.
Kat McGarvy, El Paso County Water Quality
Contact: CatherineMcGarvy@elpasoco.com
Liz Rosenbaum, Fountain Valley Clean Water Coalition
Contact: 719-661-5108
Greg Miller, Fountain Valley Clean Water Coalition
Contact: mwmiller35@gmail.com
Pat Edelmann, United States Geological Survey (Retired)
Contact: ptdlmnn@gmail.com
Rick Giles, Community Member
Contact: 719-629-6087
Roy Heald, Security Water and Sanitation District
Contact: r.heald@securitywsd.com
Robin and Carrie Bell, Community Members
Contact: bellhomes@comcast.net; 3CRBell@comcast.net
Sarah McKinney, Community Member
Contact: 719-642-0220
Brandon Bernard, Security Water and Sanitation District
Contact: b.bernard@securitywsd.com
Suzanne Carmody, Community Member
Contact: carmodys@wsd3.org
Tamara Estes, Fountain City Council
Contact: tjestes@fountaincolorado.org
Taylor Murphy, City of Fountain, Water Resource Engineer
Contact: tmurphy@fountaincolorado.org
Geof Clark, Community Member
Contact: geofclark@msn.com
Kathy Pullara, Fountain Valley Clean Water Coalition
Contact: a1jamoke@yahoo.com
Suzanne Foster, Community Member
Contact: fosterfam3@comcast.net
Carola Rafferty, Community Member
Contact: carolastaxassistance@gmail.com
Charlize Rafferty, Young Adult Community Leader
Contact: carolastaxassistance@gmail.com
Technical Advisor:
Karen Simpson, Environmental Protection Agency Region 8
Contact: simpson.karen@epa.gov
Previous CAP Meeting Notes
Add links to advisory panel meetings Dec 2020 to April 2024 in a collected drop down menu.
Public Meeting Notes
Dark Waters* tells the story of how these chemicals became known contaminants. Rated PG-13.
*Available at local libraries.
People living in the Fountain Valley communities between 2006 and 2015 were exposed to PFAS in drinking water.
Learning how PFAS became a known contaminant can help people understand the local story and the importance of research about PFAS and public health.
The Devil We Know* explores the dangerous effects of PFAS by focusing on ordinary people who were impacted in 2005. Recommended for older audiences.
Understanding the Problem of PFAS
PFAS Contamination and Exposure Resources
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Are there local resources for learning more about PFAS exposure and how I can reduce my exposure every day?For more about how PFAS exposure has been reduced in the public water system and how you can reduce your exposure through education and day-to-day choices, please view this Resource Guide and check out PFAS Research in the Fountain Valley Communities website.
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I live on a private well and my water has not been tested, who should I call?If you get your water from a private household well and are within the area of investigation please call 719-578-3131 for information about how to get a well water test. If you live outside of the area, visit https://cdphe.colorado.gov/pfas-water for more information on how to get your private well tested. You can also review the Question and Answer document associated with the April 2024 Community meeting linked to the top of this page for additional information.
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I live on a private well and my water is contaminated. What kind of filter should I install?The two types of household filters that are effective at removing PFAS are granulated activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis filters. The links below provide more detailed information: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-dwmad-eh-swpu-FilterFactSheet_610096_7.pdf https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/investigations/hoosick/docs/hoosick_pou_final.pdf
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I have high levels of PFAS in my blood and am concerned about how this may affect my health. My doctor doesn’t know much about PFAS exposure and health. What information should I give them?Talking to Your Doctor about Exposure to PFAS Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up Pregnancy, infant feeding, and young children Addressing PFAS Concerns: A Guide for Health Care Providers An overview of the Science and Guidance for Clinicians on PFAS
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I wasn’t able to participate in the Colorado SCOPE but would like to get my blood tested for PFAS, who should I call?Labs that perform PFAS blood testing: Name/Phone/Website Axys Analytical | 1-888-373-0881 | www.axysanalytical.com NMS Laboratory | 1-866-522-2206 | www.nmslabs.com Vista Analytical | 1-916-573-1520 | www.vista-analytical.com Information on the type of tube, details about handling, cost, and specific analysis request codes should be directed to the laboratories.
For more information on PFAS:
PFAS Information for Clinicians
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
For clinicians to reference when providing care to their patients in communities that are impacted by PFAS exposure.
PFAS Exchange
Silent Spring Institute
A resource center about PFAS contaminants in drinking water to help communities understand their exposures and take action to protect their health.