Our Fluorinated Fingerprint: Interpreting patterns of PFAS in our environment and our bodies

Café Scientifique on Mon., January 6, 2025

Presenter

Carrie McDonough, Ph.D.
Chemical Oceanographer and Analytical Chemist

By the late 1970s, fluorinated organics likely coming from commercial products were known to be present in human blood. However, due to the complex chemistry of per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs or “Forever Chemicals”), a complete understanding of the organofluorine burden in humans and other animals remains elusive to this day. Until we understand the sources, exposure routes, and mechanisms by which the thousands of extant PFASs accumulate in living things, we will not be able to predict or prevent associated environmental degradation or adverse health outcomes. In this talk, Dr. McDonough will outline the current state of science regarding our understanding of the PFAS body burden and highlight some promising paths forward and remaining questions.

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