PFAS, or forever chemicals, are one of the most urgent but misunderstood issues in environmental health. 

This group of nearly 15,000 man-made substances are used to make many products more durable or waterproof, but they don’t break down. Instead, they accumulate in our water, our soil and even our bodies. 

While we don’t yet have a full picture of their impacts, we know that they have been linked to health issues, such as increased risk of cancer and immune disorders. So, how do we deal with them?

This week, Felicia speaks to Anoosheh Oskouian, president, CEO and co-founder of Ship & Shore Environmental, a company that produces systems for industrial air pollution control.

They talk about the historical context of PFAS, how they end up being released in the atmosphere at the manufacturing level, and, most importantly, how this can be prevented. The conversation highlights the challenges in enforcing prevention measures, the need for global standards, and the future of PFAS management and awareness.

Awareness and education about the forever chemicals are essential for public health and safety. We need policymakers to tighten regulations because prevention is crucial, and also more cost-effective than remediation when it comes to our health.

Note: the inventor of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant who added lead to gasoline, mentioned by Felicia, is Thomas Midgley Jr.

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