“Forever chemicals” contaminating U.S. communities

Overview:

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are chemicals that have been linked to health problems including increased risk of some cancers. They are used in a wide variety of consumer products and in the vast majority of cases do not break down over time, which means they accumulate in the environment and in the human body. A number of states are taking legislative and regulatory action on PFAS. Dr. Jamie DeWitt is an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at East Carolina University. She discussed topics including:

• what is known about the health effects of PFAS exposure;
• the lack of consensus on what level of exposure is “safe.”

Recent Media Examples:

Recent media examples: Dr. DeWitt spoke to NOVA Next about the chemical bonds that make PFAS both useful and challenging to get rid of, was interviewed by Scientific American about PFAS in drinking water, and spoke at the SciLine briefing “PFAS Contamination in U.S. Communities.”

Availability:

Dr. DeWitt spoke to members of the media on Monday, March 29, 2021. She was also interviewed by SciLine. To request the video of SciLine’s interview with Dr. DeWitt, email Sara Brinda at sbrinda@aaas.org.