Highly Fluorinated Compounds –Social and Scientific Discovery: 3rd Annual Meeting

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ABSTRACT Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large class of persistent compounds that present a major public health problem worldwide. Their unique chemical properties have been harnessed to make consumer and industrial products more water, stain, and grease resistant; they are found in products as diverse as cosmetics and firefighting foams. Despite their widespread use and detection in the environment, many questions remain about their chemical properties, human health effects, exposure, economic impact, and remediation among other concerns. We propose to host a three-day conference in Wilmington, NC, a region that has been significantly affected by PFAS exposure, in June 2021 entitled, “3rd National Conference on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - Social and Scientific Discovery.” This meeting will expand the conversation, awareness, and information exchange about PFAS. It will convene scientists, government officials, activists, community members (nationally and internationally), journalists, utility managers, and lawyers to examine the complex set of social, scientific, political, and environmental health issues associated with PFAS exposure. The conference will achieve three specific aims including: 1) facilitate an inclusive and holistic conversation about the national and international impact of PFAS by integrating cutting-edge scientific discoveries within the complex social and political contexts of impacted and often marginalized communities to share knowledge and resources to support and better inform the priorities of diverse PFAS sectors; 2) strengthen existing and cultivate new collaborations that will advance sharing of information and best practices; communication across scientific, political and public sectors; and coordinated, solution-based approaches to ensure strategic change that prevents future PFAS contamination and exposure-related health risks; and 3) leverage the diversity of perspectives at the conference to determine the most effective way to disseminate findings and ensure ongoing communication among PFAS sectors. The organizing committee is highly diverse and comprises academic and government scientists, policy makers, activists and members of affected communities. It also involves participation by two Superfund Research Program Centers (NC State’s Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS and University of Rhode Island’s Sources, Transport, Exposure & Effects of PFASs Center) and other NIEHS-supported initiatives (Silent Spring Institute and Northeastern University’s PFAS Project) committed to advancing understanding about and protection from PFAS exposure. The conference will be open to all and significant support will be provided to ensure inclusion and participation of students and community members.