PFAS "Forever Chemical" Conference Heads to Tucson in June The 2026 National PFAS Conference will convene in Tucson, Arizona, from June 8 to 10, marking the first time the biennial event has been held in the Southwest. Organized by the University of Arizona’s Zuckerman College of Public Health in partnership with environmental justice advocate Linda Shosie, the conference aims to bring together researchers, advocates, and community members to address the widespread health and environmental impacts of PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human bodies. PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in products ranging from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam and water-repellent fabrics. These chemicals have been detected in the blood of nearly everyone tested, raising concerns about their long-term health effects. Research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including certain cancers, thyroid dysfunction, elevated cholesterol levels, weakened immune responses, and lower birth weights. The conference’s organizers emphasize that its unique approach lies in its collaborative structure, uniting researchers and community members to ensure the findings directly address the needs of those affected. The conference’s scientific sessions will delve into the chemistry of PFAS and its health implications, with sessions led by experts such as Melissa Furlong, an assistant professor in the College of Public Health. Furlong’s work focuses on firefighters, who face heightened PFAS exposure through their gear and the use of firefighting foam.#university_of_arizona #zuckerman_college_of_public_health #linda_shosie #tucson_international_airport_supernova_site #udall_center_for_studies_in_public_policy
