PFAS chemicals are common in many stain-resistant, greaseproof, waterproof and nonstick consumer products; and have been found in the drinking water of millions of Americans, including on Cape Cod. Laurel Schaider, research scientist at Silent Spring Institute, will speak about where these chemicals come from, how they can affect our health, how regulators are responding, and what we can do to reduce our exposures and protect the environment.

She will share preliminary findings from the University of Rhode Island STEEP Superfund Research Program’s study of PFAS chemicals in Cape Cod private wells, and discuss two other research studies led by Silent Spring Institute of PFAS health effects on Cape Cod.