A presumptive and interactive map of PFAS contamination in Greece: a tool for the identification of possible exposure sources

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging global contaminants that can have adverse environmental and human health effects. In recent years regulatory authorities have focused on setting stricter environmental limits and implementing precautionary principles. The extent and severity of PFAS contamination in Greece are still little known, despite the widespread occurrence of facilities that release the compounds. An assessment of potential sources of PFAS emission and population exposure in Greece was undertaken and the findings were used to create a presumptive and interactive map using QGIS software. Private and public industrial and governmental facilities including mining and landfill sites, wastewater treatment facilities, military bases, and airports, both on the mainland and on islands, were included. Contamination levels from existing studies in Greece were also mapped. The potential for population exposure was estimated based on the proximity of residence. This useful tool allows stakeholders and communities to rapidly and methodologically recognize possible sources, potential exposure, and public health risk, and can be expanded to incorporate future research. Acknowledgments This research paper has been funded by the doctoral grant of the Special Account for Research Grants of the University of West Attica given to the Ph.D. candidate Mrs. Georgia Soubasakou.