Water Resources Specialist
CurrentTo protect our environment, health, economic well-being, and community quality of life. Clean Water Action organizes strong grassroots groups, coalitions, and campaigns to elect environmental candidates and solve environmental and community problems.I aim to protect, conserve, and manage water resources for effective use for present and future generations. My work includes monitoring, protecting, and reducing the inputs of toxic pollutants and emerging contaminants such as PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, from entering our streams and waterways.Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various products for decades, including nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and water-resistant coatings. PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time.Health impacts of PFASThere is growing evidence that exposure to PFAS can have several adverse health impacts, including:- Increased risk of cancer, including kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer- Liver damage- Decreased fertility- Increased risk of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women- Low birth weight- Developmental delays in children- Interference with the body's natural hormones- Increased cholesterol levels- Obesity