PFAS chemicals are contaminating water supplies across the US, adding to known neurotoxins in water like lead and arsenic. PFAS chemicals are linked to all sorts of health effects including cancer, immune suppression, and may also make vaccines less effective.
Policy wins on PFAS: Michigan, New Hampshire and New York adopted PFAS water quality standards. CA mandated testing water for PFAS. VA created a PFAS task force to study contamination. New York banned incineration of PFAS foam. Check out Safer States’ summary of PFAS policies and bills.
Maps of PFAS Contamination: EWG interactive map of PFAS water contamination nationally and EWG map PFAS industrial discharges
Articles: Attacking this problem one PFAS chemical at a time would take centuries, which is why LDA and partners are advocating to take action on PFAS chemicals as a class, since there are about 5,000 PFAS chemicals. Here’s a scientific paper that explains why we need to regulate PFAS as a class.
Washington Post interview with Rob Billott and Mark Ruffalo
Sharon Lerner’s series of PFAS contamination which provides a good background on PFAS. She also wrote this article on PFAS and COVID, Scientists Pin Blame for Some Coronavirus Deaths on Air Pollution, PFAS, and Other Chemicals
We also hosted a Dark Waters Showing and Panelist Discussion in 2020 (panel discussion video below), which we co-hosted with LDA state affiliates and our panelists below.
Joanne Stanton, co-founder of Buxmont Coalition for Safer Water, grew up in Warminster, Pennsylvania near two navy Superfund sites. Following her son’s cancerous brain tumor diagnosis, she became an activist for children’s health and advocates for chemical policy reform and enforceable PFAS drinking water standards. Joanne also wrote a book on her experience and children’s environmental health.
Patrick Morrison leads the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Health, Safety, and Medical Division. The Division seeks to identify hazards, develop and disseminate technical materials, and provide assistance so IAFF members can control the safety, health, and medical needs of firefighters.
Liz Hitchcock is Director of Safer Chemicals Healthy Families. She oversees coordinates the campaign’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and at EPA and other federal agencies. A study by SCHF showed PFAS in takeout food packaging.
