Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ have been manufactured and used in a variety of industrial and consumer products in the United States since the 1940s, but have only recently received broad public interest. Numerous PFAS are present in the environment and have the potential to adversely affect human health and aquatic life. Many are asking how is the Chesapeake Bay region impacted by PFAS and what is being done to protect and manage the watershed?

On December 15th, with the help of our expert speakers, we discussed what we currently know about PFAS, what we need to know, and how the Bay states and EPA are tackling the issue.

Moderators:

• Kelly Smalling (USGS)
• Scott Phillips (USGS)

Speakers:

• Amy Williams, Water Program Specialist, Bureau of Clean Water, PA Department of Environmental Protection
• Lee Currey, Director, Water and Science Administration, MD Department of the Environment
• Betsy Behl, Director, Health and Ecological Criteria Division, Environmental Protection Agency