by WILPF Burlington and the Earth Democracy Committee

June 2023

Marguerite Adelman of WILPF Burlington and the Earth Democracy Committee have been making “tailored” Zoom presentations on PFAS to various branches: Boston and Cape Cod, Des Moines, and the Jane Addams Branch. Thanks to Ellen Thomas, we recorded the one-hour presentation for the Jane Addams Branch and are sharing the link on the WILPF US YouTube channel.

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS have been in the news this last year and with good reason. These toxic chemicals, in the most minute amounts, are bioaccumulative, persistent, and nondegradable, traveling easily through air, water, and soil. They are everywhere on the planet and in almost everything, including us. PFAS can lead to health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, weakened immune systems, obesity, fertility issues in men and women, various forms of cancer, birth defects, and disrupted normal brain development in children. The Zoom presentation provides viewers with the research tools to find out about PFAS in their community, the laws that can protect them (or lack thereof), and ways to protect themselves, their family, and future generations from these toxins. 

The San Francisco WILPF Branch is planning a June 25th Zoom presentation for California branches. After each program, Marguerite makes the presentation materials available to attendees so that they can continue their research into this complex topic. If you view the YouTube video and want a copy of the presentation slides for yourself, email pfasinfo@wilpfus.org and request either the pdf or PowerPoint version.

If your WILPF Branch wants a tailored Zoom presentation and you can guarantee an audience of at least ten individuals, contact Marguerite at pfasinfo@wilpfus.org with your request. Remember, you can invite other groups (Vets for Peace, environmental groups, etc.) and community members to the presentation, increasing the number of people who know about WILPF and about PFAS.