STEEP scientists will discuss recent efforts to track down harmful PFAS chemicals in the environment, including a new study in which researchers uncovered large quantities of previously undetected PFAS from firefighting foams and other unknown sources in six watersheds on Cape Cod. The findings, which were published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, raise concerns about the potential impact on drinking water quality and human health. PFAS have been linked with a number of health effects including cancer. Since current federal and state testing methods only test for a limited number of PFAS, they may be underestimating the true extent of contamination in the environment.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m

Zoom meeting link will be sent 48 hours prior to event

WHAT: “Let’s Talk About PFAS: The Case of the Missing Contaminants” – webinar organized by the STEEP Superfund Research Program Center and hosted by the Town of Barnstable. Speaker presentations followed by Q&A with the public.

WHO: Program and Speakers:

Welcome remarks:

Cheryl Osimo, Executive Director, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and Cape Cod Outreach Coordinator, Silent Spring Institute
Mark Ells, Town Manager, Town of Barnstable, Cape Cod

Presentations:

Denis LeBlanc, Research Hydrologist, New England Water Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Bridger Ruyle, PhD candidate in Environmental Science and Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
STEEP private well study update:Laurel Schaider, Senior Scientist, Silent Spring Institute and Alyson McCann, Water Quality Program Coordinator, College of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Rhode Island

Q&A

Learn more at: https://web.uri.edu/steep/