What they are, where they come from, and what can we do about them
The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine.
- Virtual attendance: Complete the registration form to receive Zoom connection information.
- In-person attendance: Attendees must follow UMaine’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Speakers:
- Dr. Onur Apul, Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, UMaine
- Dr. Dianne Kopec, Research Fellow, Mitchell Center
- Dr. Caroline Noblet, Associate Professor, School of Economics, UMaine
- John Peckenham, Research Associate, Mitchell Center
PFAS chemicals, fluorinated compounds that repel both oil and water, have been used in commercial products for over 60 years, yet it was only 20 years ago that researchers published findings on their toxicity and persistence in the environment. Today in Maine, PFAS contamination has closed some dairy farms, well water is contaminated, and the state is mounting a multi-million dollar response to address the problem. Members of the Mitchell Center’s PFAS Initiative will give a whirlwind tour of PFAS chemistry, their history in Maine, what Mainers know about these forever chemicals, and the solutions being sought.
