An ELI & WELL Co-Sponsored Public Webinar
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is an umbrella term for thousands of potentially toxic “forever” chemicals found in many everyday household items and packaging of common items. While exposure to PFAS occurs throughout the United States, it is especially concentrated in low-income communities and communities of color. Simultaneously, these communities are experiencing higher Covid-19 infection and mortality rates.
An emerging concern is that higher PFAS exposure levels might limit the effectiveness of existing Covid-19 vaccines. PFAS exposure has been widely linked to disrupting the immune system and decreasing the immune response to vaccinations, but, thus far, many uncertainties regarding these exposures and vaccinations remain.
What are the Biden administration’s priorities in addressing PFAS regulation and environmental justice? How can communities reduce their exposure to PFAS? Should communities with high PFAS exposure be concerned about the effectiveness of immunizations? Join the Environmental Law Institute and expert panelists to explore how the ongoing pandemic is intersecting environmental justice, PFAS exposure, and the response from the Biden administration.
Panelists:
Sarah Grey, Senior Associate, Arnold & Porter, Moderator
Natasha DeJarnett, Ph.D., MPH, Assistant Professor, Envirome Institute, Division of Environmental Medicine, University of Louisville
Anita Desikan, Research Analyst, Union of Concerned Scientists
Heather Lynch, MPH, Supervising Health Scientist, Cardno ChemRisk
Sylvia Orduño, Organizer, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization
Materials:
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