Keeping with the tradition of throwing professionalism out of the window and sharing my open and honest thoughts, I’d like to tell you how I’m processing the National PFAS Conference. You are kind enough to financially support our work, I want to return the favor with the unfiltered truth.
I spent four days in Michigan for the National PFAS Conference. The conference featured impacted community members, scientists on the cutting edge of research, members of Congress, White House officials, and a keynote from the United Nations. Topics ranged from discoveries in PFAS health effects, human rights and worker rights related to PFAS, guidance for clinicians, and so much more. It was intense and the coffee cups were too small for the gravity of the topic.
Clean Water Action President and CEO Jeff Carter was in attendance as well. Jeff and I were able to meet on the shuttle to the conference each morning, share three meals a day, and sit together for most of the panels. We took the opportunity to reflect on the conference topics each day and the role Clean Water Action can play in fighting against PFAS pollution and helping the country transition away from PFAS use.
We took the time together to challenge ourselves – and each other – in how we’re thinking about our work and our donors. How are we best honoring the intentions you have when you give your hard-earned money to us? How are we planning for the future and helping both government and the community see that protecting our water is vital to human health and surviving climate change? How are we supporting and elevating impacted voices? And how are we staying brave and consistent as we’re faced with an onslaught of chemical industry attacks? We asked ourselves (and each other) tough questions that shook us to the core, but we saw that this is the only way to truly ensure that we are on the cutting edge of protecting our water for future generations.
We heard heartbreaking stories of illness and loss. One mother who lived next to a contaminated site explained that the brain tumor her son suffered from at six years old had amniotic fluid at its center, meaning that her exposure impacted her pregnancy and the tumor formed in the womb. Our friends, the Strandes, gave a presentation and showed their daughter Amara in a coma with an incision across her chest from cancer surgery (view the slides below). Firefighters detailed their illnesses and the illnesses that took the lives of their friends and family members. And other community members shared their off-the-charts PFAS blood levels from eating beef that was raised on contaminated land.
We also heard messages of hope as scientists shared their research and helped the non-scientists in the room (me, I’m talking about me here) understand how PFAS impacts human health on a cellular level. One presentation showed in depth data about how PFAS impacts the food supply. Another detailed the repercussions of PFAS in sludge/biosolids that farmers spread on their fields as cheap fertilizer. We know knowledge is power and because of these scientists from around the world we understand more about how PFAS harms people. This will help us pass more laws and educate more communities.
I was also inspired by the White House and the United Nation’s presentations and commitment to addressing this issue. It is a daunting topic. It’s easy to feel hopeless and frustrated. PFAS is everywhere, where do we start? It’s in our water, our food, our air, and our soil. As I write this, my heart is starting to race, and my brain is grasping at straws. It’s a genuine panic regarding how, as a mother, my work can adequately protect my children (and yours). What if they get sick? What if the chemical industry guts our bills under an anti-environment majority…what if…what if…what if…
After a few days home and a chance to reflect, I have decided that we must switch this “what if” narrative and finish the sentence. What if we do nothing? What if we stay quiet? What if we turn our head and close our eyes? What if…what if…what if…
This conference taught me that we must tell the truth louder than the chemical industry can share its misleading information. We have proof connecting PFAS exposure to negative health impacts. We know the way PFAS spreads and crosses between water, soil, and air. And we know that this problem will be expensive and difficult to fix.
It also reinforced to me that we are stronger together. When we come together and share stories, demand accountability, and use science-based facts to guide policy, we can create meaningful change around the world.
I’ll admit that I came home emotionally and physically exhausted (those time zone changes get me every time). I let myself sleep in my first day home and I kept Huntley home from daycare. I needed to snuggle him. I had a physical craving to hold my kids tightly because I knew other parents didn’t have that luxury. I breathed easier being in the same state as my 20-year-old, Dylan. When he finally came over, he indulged me in some pretty big hugs.
So, what now? How will we move forward? We all know I’m a bleeding heart so what does this mean for actual ACTION that we are taking as an organization?
Well, we’re friends. So, I am going to ask you to support our work. What does this mean? It means that if we can raise enough money, we can hire additional people to join the program team. This means more community education in the hardest hit areas, a greater ability to influence decision makers, and more time for us to show up and represent Minnesota on the national stage. If Minnesota is successful in tackling toxic chemicals, we can inspire the rest of the country to follow our lead.
Your support directly impacts the water that flows into your home. It protects people you’ll never meet. And that is so darn powerful. To know what I’m doing today will impact my grandkids…Wow. I am grateful.
Please join our team today. Donate, take action, volunteer. And invite a friend. It feels really good to change the world.
PS – I almost forgot to pass on the kudos I received from everyone at the conference. The entire country was aware of the success in Minnesota to pass Amara’s Law—I actually have some calls coming up with colleagues on the east coast to share our secret to success. Our work is spreading – let me say that again – OUR work is spreading. Your gift has a far-reaching impact. And that’s pretty cool. Thank you!
