Earth Day Event Explores Effects of PFAS-Contaminated Water
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, and if you missed this WRRC co-hosted event – ASU Water Institute Earth Day Webinar: Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America, you can view the webinar recording here. WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal introduced the panel, and Ian James, a water reporter for the LA Times who focuses on water and climate change, served as moderator. Rachel Frazin and Sharon Udasin, two environmental journalists who co-authored the newly published book, Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America, shared findings from their research. They defined polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their presence in everyday items such as non-stick pans, cosmetics, and waterproof fabrics. These substances do not break down over time, which earns them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Humanitarian activist Brenda Hampton recounted her own and her family members’ health issues resulting from exposure to their contaminated water supply in Lawrence County, Alabama, and Liz Rosenbaum, a dedicated clean water advocate, described her experiences fighting PFAS contamination and her work protecting communities from toxic chemicals. Mark Favors, a US Army veteran and critical care registered nurse, shared potential actions for individuals to protect themselves, stressing the importance of transparency and holding major polluters accountable. The discussion ended with advice from the panelists for everyone to check PFAS levels in our own communities (and whenever traveling) and to consider installing reverse osmosis systems in our homes.