Experts explore latest science on ‘forever chemicals’
Webinar to examine costly health threat PFAS contamination poses
WASHINGTON—Policymakers are wrestling with how to address “forever” chemicals contaminating water supplies near hundreds of military sites and elsewhere across the country, which could cost billions to clean up.
Endocrine Society and Environmental Working Group scientists will discuss exactly what these chemicals—known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—are and how they threaten our health in a webinar exclusively for journalists on Oct. 2.
Research has linked PFAS chemical exposure to cancer, damage to the reproductive and immune systems, thyroid disease and other health problems. Designed to make water-, grease- and stain-repellent coatings for a variety of products, PFAS chemicals are found in non-stick pan coatings, fast food wrappers, personal care products, firefighting foam, fabrics and carpets. PFAS chemicals do not break down and are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Countries worldwide are grappling with whether and how to regulate PFAS to best protect public health. Denmark became the first nation to ban PFAS chemicals from food packaging earlier this month. The policy takes effect next year.
What: Media webinar examines the state of the science on PFAS chemicals contaminating water and foods.
Who:
- Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D., Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group
- Scott Belcher, Ph.D., Endocrine Society spokesman and Professor at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C.
When: Oct. 2, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. (ET)
Register to attend the virtual news conference by emailing [email protected]. Registered reporters will receive log-in details for the virtual news conference.
Additional resources:
- https://www.ewg.org/key-issues/toxics/nonstick-chemicals
- https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/what-edcs-are/common-edcs/pfas
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About the Endocrine Society
Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.
The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endocrine.org. Follow us on Twitter at @TheEndoSociety and @EndoMedia.
About the Environmental Working Group
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action. Follow EWG on Twitter at @EWG, Facebook and Instagram.
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