This event, co-sponsored by the Hoosier Environmental Council and Purdue's Institute for a Sustainable Future, provides a general introduction to the group of manmade chemicals known as "PFAS" or "Forever Chemicals." In this first of a series of two, scientists from Purdue University provide current information on the sources, uses and impacts of PFAS on human health and the environment with particular emphasis on concerns for Hoosiers. rounding out the event will be a discussion of policy impacts of PFAS at both state and federal levels as well as an opportunity for Q&A.

Agenda

• Introduction to PFAS - What they are and their uses - Marisol Sepúlveda, Purdue University
• Health Implications- Jennifer Freeman, Purdue University
• Presentation of Purdue Statewide Assessment of PFAS-Ty Hoskins
• Policy and Legal Impacts of PFAS, both state and federal - Hannah Nelson, Southern Environmental Law Center
• Q&A and facilitated discussion - Sam  Carpenter, HEC moderator

Speakers

Maria Sepúlveda is a Professor of Ecology and Natural Systems and co-lead for the PFAS Strategic Research Team, part of Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future. Her interest in ecotoxicology includes looking at sublethal effects of contaminants and environmental stressors on the developmental and reproductive physiology of aquatic organisms. Over the last two decades, she has conducted extensive research evaluating the sublethal effects of a wide range of environmental contaminants on the physiology of numerous terrestrial and aquatic species.

Jennifer L. Freeman is a Professor of Toxicology in the School of Health Sciences and Assistant Vice President for Research Development at Purdue University. She is also co-lead for the PFAS Strategic Research Team, part of Purdue’s Institute for a Sustainable Future. The interests of the Freeman laboratory are to define the underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of toxicity of environmental stressors in the developmental origin of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm. Current research projects are focused on PFAS, metals, pesticides, radiation, and other legacy and emerging contaminants. She looks at adverse health outcomes throughout the lifespan as linked to various levels of exposure to PFAS using the zebrafish vertebrate model system.

Tyler Hoskins is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University and studies how anthropogenic stressors, especially environmental contaminants, influence aquatic species, communities, and ecosystems. Recently, most of his work has focused on bioaccumulation and effects of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wildlife. Ty works to support the research and outreach efforts of the PFAS Strategic Research Team at the Institute for a Sustainable Future and has led a year-long effort to develop a state-wide PFAS Assessment for Indiana.

Hannah Nelson is an Attorney  working with the Water Program at the Southern Environmental Law Center. She has expertise in water law and will provide a broad overview of the legislative landscape regarding PFAS regulation and policy.

Sam Carpenter  is executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council and will serve as moderator of the discussion and Q & A period.  Hoosier Environmental Council is a 41-year, statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for strong environmental policies and practices to improve environmental health, and quality of life for all Hoosiers and protect our natural ecosystems.

Register here.