SUMMER 2024 ISSUE Focus on Health and Environment MISSION Our food, water, and climate are under constant assault by corporations who put profit over the survival of humanity. They have seized control of the very institutions that were built to protect us. We mobilize people to reclaim their political power, hold our elected officials accountable, and resist corporate control — ensuring we all have the essential resources we need to thrive. This is a fight we must win because this planet is the only one we get.
Thank You For Fighting Like You Live Here!
PFAS ARE EVERYWHERE. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO.
SUMMER 2024 ISSUE What You Need to Know About PFAS
Show Your Love for Reusable Bottles!
Your Generosity is Spreading Awareness About PFAS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PFAS From frying pans to raincoats, carpets to mascara, corporations profit handsomely off “non-stick,” “waterproof,” “stain-repellent” products. But these everyday goods can come with a high cost — PFAS contamination.
A MESSAGE FOR YOU Your generosity is taking our fight against toxic PFAS to the next level! Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 12,000 lab-made chemicals that can harm our bones, liver, immune and reproductive systems, and are likely carcinogens. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t really break down in the environment. Since the 1940s, the chemical industry has polluted our planet with PFAS, adding them to a range of products from fire- fighting foam to nonstick pans. PFAS are now almost everywhere — in at least 45 percent of our drinking water supplies, in human breast milk and blood, and in the rain that falls in remote parts of the Arctic. This is a crisis. That’s why I’m so grateful for your commitment to protecting people and our planet from PFAS contam- ination. Because of you, our new Water Action Team is engaging volunteers to build support for the PFAS Action Act, comprehensive legislation that protects everyone’s drinking water from these danger- ous chemicals. Thank you for fighting for PFAS- free water!
Mary Grant Public Water for All Campaign Director
Scientists are uncovering growing evidence that PFAS, the class of chemicals behind these “modern marvel” attributes, harm our health and communities. And the scariest thing is that they are everywhere. Thanks to your generosity, Food & Water Watch is fighting for strong regulations to stop PFAS and hold corporations accountable for cleaning up their toxic mess.
Cover: PFAS can be found in many products you bring home, including toys. Food & Water Volunteer Network Director Katy Kiefer's kids are pictured playing with their favorite building blocks. Like many moms, she grapples with choosing toys that her children enjoy that are also durable and free of toxins. Keeping on top of which toys contain PFAS can be a struggle.
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What Are PFAS? The story begins in the 1930s with the invention of polytetrafluoroethylene, better known as Teflon, by a chemist at DuPont. Trademarked in the 1940s and made famous by the miraculous “nonstick” cookware, Teflon became popular in household kitchens by the 1960s. Since then, an entire family (more than 12,000) of nonstick, stain-repellent, and waterproof chemicals, collec- tively called PFAS, have been created. The nearly indestruc- tible and slippery quality of PFAS have made them popular in manufacturing a variety of products and packaging that we encounter every day. Where Do You Find PFAS? non-stick, stain-resistant, or waterproof, for now, there’s a good chance it contains PFAS. Whether it's from facilities producing PFAS or landfills with PFAS waste, these chemi- cals leach into our air, soil, and water, and go on to contami- nate our crops and livestock. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is projected to find PFAS in water systems of at least 60% of the U.S. population by the time they complete their testing in 2026. In short, everywhere. If a product is labeled Scientists have even found them in places thought to be undamaged by humans, like the Arctic and the deep ocean. In the U.S., researchers estimate they’re in 97% of people’s blood.
About two years ago, Katy's borough notified her that her household water contains PFAS. Their letter provided hollow reassurance, telling residents not to worry unless they were pregnant or breastfeeding. Katy was nursing her youngest child at the time.
Katy thinks about PFAS daily. She bathes her children knowing that her water contains PFAS. She reminds them often not to drink the bath water — they can only drink the filtered water from the kitchen. Buying bottled water is not an option. Bottled water contains PFAS.
When Food & Water Volunteer Network Director Katy learned she had PFAS in her water, she installed a whole-house carbon filter for general water safety and a reverse osmosis filter in her kitchen to clean her drinking water of even more impurities, including PFAS. Like many families, she found it too expensive to install a reverse osmosis filter to treat the water for her whole house.
Why are PFAS called “forever chemicals?”
PFAS are very difficult to get rid of and don’t break down natu- rally in the environment or in our bodies. Some PFAS could take over 1,000 years to degrade.
PFAS - continue on Page 3 >
FOOD & WATER WATCH / ACTION — LIVABLE FUTURE NOW | 2
• Reproduction: PFAS are linked to reproductive harm and lower birth weights. • Immune system: PFAS can weaken immune response and have been linked to vaccine ineffectiveness. • Cancers: Two older PFAS are classified as likely carcinogens by the EPA. PFAS Are an Environmental Injustice Due to the terrible history of building toxic facilities near Black, Brown, and low-income neighborhoods, these commu- nities are most at risk of PFAS exposure from companies making or dumping PFAS. Drinking water systems serving people of color are more likely to have PFAS levels higher than state standards. This means greater risks of developing severe health problems and financial hardship. PFAS contamination can shut down businesses and lower property values. Environmental clean-up and monitoring are expensive, and costs could fall
to families instead of the corpo- rate polluters poisoning them.
What Can You Do About PFAS?
• Use PFAS-free products Check out this list of PFAS-free products: fwwat.ch/PFAS-free • Protect your in-home water Reference our safe tap water guide: fwwat.ch/safetap • Tell Congress to pass the PFAS Action Act This legislation will establish necessary regulations, definitions, and polluter account- ability to rein in the PFAS pollution crisis. Visit: fwwat.ch/PFASactionact
Katy’s kids have tagged along with her when she’s out gathering petition signa- tures for Food & Water Action. They’re a great reminder that the actions we take today will profoundly shape the world young people in our lives will inherit.
>PFAS - continued from Page 2
PFAS Are Bad for Our Health Research has linked PFAS exposure to problems in almost every part of the body. • Brain: PFAS can interfere with brain functions like attention and short-term memory. • Hormones: PFAS are linked to Type 2 diabetes, poly- cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, and delayed puberty.
or scan this QR code
• Bones: PFAS can lower bone health and density.
ON THE GROUND
You're Powering the Fight for Clean Water for All
Your generosity launched our Water Action Team just ahead of World Water Day this year. This team of dedicated and passionate Food & Water Volunteer Network members is spreading awareness and building support for the PFAS Action Act and other efforts to protect our water.
Everyone deserves the peace of mind of knowing that the water they drink and cook with is PFAS-free and safe. Thank you for ensuring the Water Action Team can fight for our basic human right to clean, accessible, affordable, public water! — Katie Olsson
Katie Olsson, Volunteer Leader on the Water Action Team
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Show Your Love for Reusable Bottles
Look Ma, No PFAS!
Every minute, more than one million plastic bottles of water are sold worldwide. Most become unrecycled plastic waste mere minutes or hours after they’re opened. And the bottled water industry wants us to buy more. We say NO! Join us in showing
your commitment to saying no to plastic bottled water by sharing a selfie of you and your trusty reusable water bottle while out and about.
Nonstick pans are popular, but most contain PFAS. A tried-and-true alterna- tive is a well-seasoned cast-iron pan. For people who need a refresher, here are steps to season or re-season your cast iron cookware :
Monica
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Scrub — Scrub your pan with warm, soapy water. Rinse and immediately hand dry thoroughly with a cloth. Oil — Apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the inside and outside of your pan. Don't use too much oil, or your pan could become sticky. Bake — Place your pan in the oven upside down. Place a large baking sheet or alumi- num foil on the bottom rack. Bake at 450 – 500 degrees F for one hour. Allow to cool. Happy cooking!
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Please add to this collection taken by Food & Water Watch team members!
Mark
Wenonah
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Jocelyn & Dusty
Angie
To clean your cast-iron pan, wash it with a little bit of soap to scrub away food. (For stuck-on food, simmer water for 3 - 5 minutes, then use a food scraper after the pan has cooled.) Rinse and immediately hand dry thoroughly with a cloth. Rub a thin layer of cooking oil all over the pan. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away excess oil until no residue remains. *Instructions from Lodge Cast Iron.
Share Your Reusable Bottle Selfie!
The first 5 people to submit a selfie will receive a pair of Food & Water Watch biodegradable reusable cups.
fwwat.ch/bottleselfie
FOOD & WATER WATCH / ACTION — LIVABLE FUTURE NOW | 4
Your Generosity Is Spreading Awareness About PFAS
something that should bring you comfort. The fact that you are aware, the fact that aware- ness makes you a conscious consumer — What do you spend your money on? Who do you support? Do they support legislation that is great for PFAS regulation? And crucially, it also empowers people and commu- nities to protect each other.” Thank you for generously investing in talent and passion like Natalie’s. Because of you, she and other Food & Water Watch experts are educating and spreading awareness about threats to our health and communities. * Wilbur Tennant’s cattle farm in Parkers- burg, West Virginia, was located near a DuPont factory producing Teflon nonstick products. His herd died of mysterious illnesses, as did local wildlife. Both he and his wife developed cancer. This legal case revealed DuPont's decades-long cover-up of the toxic effects of PFAS and its systematic efforts to hide evidence and manipulate regulators. Tennant’s story was brought to life in the film Dark Waters . Awareness is THE key! And something that should bring you comfort. The fact that you are aware, the fact that awareness makes you a conscious consumer... it also empowers people and communities to protect each other. — Natalie Balbuena
Food & Water Watch researcher, Natalie, presents her work on PFAS to an attentive class at George Washington University.
Earlier this year, George Washington University’s Dr. Ivy Ken invited Food & Water Watch researcher Natalie Balbuena to her class to speak about PFAS. Dr. Ken was using our Livable Future LIVE event and accom- panying article about PFAS as teaching tools to have her students examine how public awareness campaigns tackle social problems. Natalie was pleased to meet an attentive group of students. They were curious about how PFAS harms frontline commu- nities, what they could do as consumers to protect them- selves, and the corrupt tactics corporations have used to hide
the dangers of these chemicals. They were especially stunned when Natalie spoke about West Virginia cattle farmer Wilbur Tennant’s legal battle against DuPont.* “I really enjoyed engaging with students,” said Natalie, and summed up her experience with three words: “Motivation. I’m very passionate about this topic and put a lot of work into the research. I wanted to let my energy shine through so I can pass motivation on to the students — so they can get up and do something about the PFAS crisis.” “Also, momentum : We’re riding the wave as we speak when it comes to PFAS. We're living
and witnessing the history of people starting to regulate them.” “And, awareness : Awareness is THE key! And
Interested in having a Food & Water Watch expert come talk to your group?
Contact Mitch Jones by filling out a request form. Scan this QR code or visit fwwat.ch/expert
5 | SUMMER 2024
YOUR FOOD & WATER WATCH AT WORK ACTION SHOTS!
Organizers Alexa Moore and Emily Tucker drew a crowd at February’s “Environment Day at the Legislature” at the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe. FEATURED VICTORY Together, we successfully passed a ban on CO2 fracking in New York State!
It was a wonderful day of tabling, sharing information about the urgent need to ban factory farms in New Mexico, and meeting and learning from
fellow New Mexico activists! The day also included a vibrant rally for climate action in the capitol rotunda.
Last fall, a company called “Southern Tier CO2 to Clean Energy Solutions” announced a proposal to drill and frack in New York using carbon dioxide (CO2). This absurd proposal came almost a decade after New York historically led the nation by banning high-volume hydraulic fracking. Southern Tier was planning to skirt the existing ban by using an experimental and dangerous method of shale gas extraction that poses many of the same threats to our water, health, and climate. Because of you, Food & Water Watch and our allies responded quickly, made lots of noise, and won! As of this writing, we’re urging the Governor to sign this ban into law. Thank you for fighting for a fossil-free future!
New York State Senator Lea Webb (pictured in the center) joined us at a rally, lobby day, and press event in the New York State Capitol in Albany. She sponsored and championed this successful ban on CO2 fracking.
See More of Your Generosity at Work!
Scan this QR code to read your summer quarterly victories update and see more of your impact.
fwwat.ch/summer24wins
FOOD & WATER WATCH / ACTION — LIVABLE FUTURE NOW | 6
UPCOMING EVENTS
Continue Protecting What You Love
JULY 17 Building a Sustainable Food System AUGUST 21 Food, Water, and Climate in the Media SEPTEMBER 18 From New York to California: The Fight to Ban Fracking JOIN US FOR Livable Future LIVE! Livable Future LIVE! is our monthly virtual education series featuring the latest environmental news and sharing what you can do to protect our food, water, and climate.
MISSION Our food, water, and climate are under constant assault by corporations who put profit over the survival of humanity. They have seized control of the very institutions that were built to protect us. We mobilize people to reclaim their political power, hold our elected officials accountable, and resist corporate control — ensuring we all have the essential resources we need to thrive. This is a fight we must win because this planet is the only one we get. You play a powerful role in safeguarding our planet today. By including Food & Water Watch or Food & Water Action in your will, you can continue protecting what you love for generations to come. August is Make-A-Will Month, and it’s fast approaching. Now is the perfect time to prepare. You can create or update your will for free by using FreeWill. By doing so, you’ll join more than 100 members of our Legacy Society who have shown their long- lasting commitment to protecting our most precious resources. LEARN MORE at fwwat.ch/will or scan this QR code.
Save Your Seat Visit fwwat.ch/live or scan this QR code
Watch past events at fwwat.ch/LFL
foodandwaterwatch.org Food & Water Watch is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that educates and advocates for safe food, clean water, and a livable climate. Gifts to Food & Water Watch are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Combined Federal Campaign #17460 foodandwateraction.org Food & Water Action is our affiliated 501(c)4 nonprofit that mobilizes people to win campaigns that builds political power. Gifts to Food & Water Action Fund are not tax deductible.
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