What is PFAS? Maybe you've heard this term in the news lately. PFAS refers to a large group of toxic chemicals, otherwise known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are also called “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to breaking down in exposed environments and organisms - this includes people.
PFAS are used in many products, such as cookware, carpets, clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam. Exposure is being linked to many negative health issues. These chemicals are being detected in environments across the U.S. - sometimes in alarmingly large numbers. The Southeast region is no exception.
“The PFAS Problem” is a special presentation on the current state of the situation in Tennessee and North Georgia. It takes place at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center, 200 River St., Chattanooga TN 37405 at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27. Listen to experts from Sierra Club and the PFAS Georgia team for a comprehensive overview and what remedial actions are available. There will be a Q&A session following the presentation. The presentation is also available via Zoom.
Dan Firth, Solid Waste & Mining Conservation Committee Chairperson from Sierra Club Tennessee Chapter recently said, “Some of the readings have been astronomical,” referring to samplings taken in East Tennessee. Lead attorney of PFAS Georgia, Ben Finley said, “You may or may not have heard of PFAS. But it's something you need to know about,” driving home the urgency of learning the facts around this emerging problem.