What we do
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFASs) are a class of chemicals widely used in consumer products, industrial applications, manufacturing processes, and certain firefighting foams. PFASs have been detected in all corners of the Earth, contaminating the blood of virtually all Americans. Exposure to certain PFASs has been linked to kidney and testicular cancers, birth defects, impairment of the immune system, heart and thyroid disease, complications during pregnancy, and other serious conditions [C8 Science Panel, 2012].
Over the past few years, our research team, along with our partners, has been investigating the emergence of lay awareness, government involvement, media coverage, litigation, and advocacy. Additionally, we are interviewing communities throughout New England dealing with this water contamination, and facilitating communication across communities and between lay people and environmental health scientists.
High-Profile Media Coverage:
