Healthy Living Healthy Planet Radio host Bernice Butler interviewed Linda Birmbaum, Ph.D., former head of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology program to help audiences explore the Intersection of toxic chemicals and materials on human health, the environment and climate change. Birnbaum will continue this conversation at the upcoming Environmental Working Group (EWG) sponsored inaugural PFAS Conference from noon to 5 p.m., July 14.

The “forever chemicals” known as PFAS are found in the blood of 99 percent of Americans, including newborn babies. PFAS chemicals build up in our bodies and never break down in the environment.

The conference brings together policymakers, scientists and marketplace leaders to highlight the science of PFAS chemicals and how they affect our health; how policymakers are trying to reduce and remediate PFAS pollution; and how companies are tackling the challenge of PFAS in their products.

Other speaker include Brenda Mallory, chair, Council on Environmental Quality, representatives Madeline Dean (D-Pa.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Dan Kildee (D-Mich.),Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Dr. Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and PFAS attorney and author Rob Bilott.