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Silent Spring scientist outlines PFAS health risks, research and community resources
Summary
Dr. Laurel Shader of Silent Spring Institute presented an overview of PFAS chemistry, health evidence, exposure pathways and ongoing multi-site and Cape-focused studies, and pointed Nantucket residents to local testing resources and clinician training.
Dr. Laurel Shader, a senior scientist at the Silent Spring Institute, gave a public presentation in Nantucket explaining what per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are, how people are exposed and what communities and individuals can do to reduce risk. "PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances," Shader said, describing the class as persistent "forever chemicals" that resist environmental breakdown.
Shader laid out three key lines of evidence scientists use to learn about chemical harms—epidemiology, toxicology and lab-based (in vitro) studies—and said combining those approaches strengthens confidence in links between PFAS exposures and health effects. She cited consistent findings associating PFAS with immune effects (reduced vaccine antibody response in children), altered thyroid hormones,…
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