Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 4,000 chemicals. Many of these have been used in fire-fighting foams for extinguishing fuel fires, as water and stain-resistant coatings for furniture, carpeting, footwear, cookware, textiles, paper food packaging and more. Unlike many organic pollutants, PFAS in soil and water are not degraded by biological or biogeochemical processes.
Scientists and health professionals are concerned about PFAS because the chemicals are widespread in the environment, persist for long periods, and have been linked with human and natural resource health problems.
This year’s event, taking place October 22-24, 2023, is focused on PFAS in agricultural systems, transport into crops and livestock, remediation, policy, and emerging issues of PFAS. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about new skills and technologies that may influence the scientific direction, management strategies, and supply chain sectors of PFAS contamination.
The symposium is a collaborative effort among the MSU Center for PFAS Research, University of Maine, Maine Farmland Trust, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Attendees include farmers, researchers, Extension professionals and educators, public and private industry professionals, regulators, scientists, and students to establish a network of national and international collaborators, stakeholders, and communities.
To register for the event, visit events.anr.msu.edu/register.