Podcasts about afff

This training class builds on the earlier information for introductory PFAS topics presented in the PFAS 101 CLU-IN training. It provides more in-depth information for human health effects, ecological toxicity and ecological risk assessment, PFAS regulations, and AFFF alternatives and replacement. Resources and further details for the topics included in this training are in the published PFAS-1 guidance document in Sections 7, 8 and 17.2 along with referenced tables. Learning Objectives: Discuss new information on the health effects of categories of PFAS not previously addressed. We'll also talk about the recent use of data from epidemiology studies to develop toxicity factors and guidelines; describe how the U.S. EPA has recently used a mixtures approach to derive a proposed MCL for 4 PFAS. We'll discuss why certain agencies are regulating PFAS as a class, and give examples, and will also give brief updates on our understanding of the adverse effects of PFAS after inhalation or dermal exposure.Discuss PFAS exposure pathways relevant to ecological receptors; general toxicological information available for invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants; the data gaps and uncertainties associated with ecotoxicological studies; and current approaches in ecological risk assessment of PFAS.Discuss development and findings of some of the External Data Tables including the Water and Soil Values Table, the Air Criteria Table, and the Regulatory Programs Summary Table. Discuss the current status of some of the Federal Regulations including drinking water regulations and how this may impact some states. Discuss the current status of AFFF alternatives and replacement. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/itrc/PFAS-BTB-HH_032525/

There are over 455 military bases with confirmed contamination from AFFF, or “aqueous film forming foam.” Veterans who served at these locations might face health risks, including exposure to PFAS, or forever chemicals. In this episode, we explore how this exposure affects eligibility for VA disability benefits. We also talk about the current need for individual service connection proof. Additionally, listeners will learn about a nationwide class action lawsuit and legislative efforts aimed at providing veterans with the protections they deserve. Tune in to learn more! For more information, visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cck-law.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKYTL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKFBL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKINL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/CCKTL

Damo is delighted with his recent experience with sleep therapy. Damon just finished INSURV on his Aircraft Carrier. Damo gets back in his “tin foil” bag and brings up aliens again to Damon. Damo talks about receiving his first DEOCS. Damon and Damo discuss how they spent Thanksgiving. The guys discuss what they are thankful for this year in the Navy. What is the “worst” rank in the Navy? Have you seen that graphic going around about upcoming changes in the Navy? The guys discuss these changes and why they waited so long to bring the topic up. NAVADMIN 242/24 was released, marking a major change to the Navy's PFA process. The Pentagon recently dropped 51 disqualifying conditions. The latest annual suicide list has been released by the DoD. AFFF is being sunset due to its toxic nature. NFCU is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Another Chief was caught stealing military equipment. How can Chiefs that steal retain respect at their commands? Damon has a question about the concept of “change” and what that looks like for a servicemember. The guys discuss their weekly approaches to leadership. The guys share the latest #DoBetter from a listener along with a few of their own. Damo finally finished “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” and is here to share his review. Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely' on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.     To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely' podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Links and more from the episode:   Drake vs. The Industry https://apnews.com/article/drake-lawsuit-umg-d36b719ed62009c01f09d949b1032c25   Aliens in the Ocean? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCCVK1i0TjE&ab_channel=WACHFOX   New PRT Navadmin: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2024/NAV24242.txt?ver=1_AQJjkprVGMF2v-ZMok9Q%3d%3d   Pentagon Drops 51 Disqualifying Conditions https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/10/31/pentagon-drops-51-disqualifying-conditions-as-part-of-recruiting-push/   Houthis Attacking Destroyers https://news.usni.org/2024/11/12/houthis-attack-two-u-s-destroyers-leaving-the-red-sea-pentagon-says   2025 DoD Suicide Report Released https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3964785/department-of-defense-releases-its-annual-report-on-suicide-in-the-military-for/#:~:text=In%20CY%202023%2C%20523%20Service,have%20gradually%20increased%20since%202011   Rest Well Sgt. Sarah Roque: Why are we killing each other? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sergeant-death-sarah-roque-soldier-charged-murder-missouri-fort-leonard-wood/ Body Of Missing 23-Year-Old Army Sergeant Found In Dumpster, Believed To Be Homicide https://www.wideopencountry.com/body-of-missing-23-year-old-army-sergeant-found-in-dumpster-believed-to-be-homicide/   Removal of AFFF https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-11-18/pfas-firefighting-foam-military-japan-15884315.html   Navy Fed fined 95 million for illegal overdraft fees https://www.pymnts.com/bank-regulation/2024/navy-federal-credit-union-fined-95-million-for-illegal-overdraft-fees/   Chief Caught Stealing https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/crime/chief-petty-officer-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-military-equipment-and-selling-it-online/291-7aa2bb23-4127-48e8-9685-cfe795c85bec   ‘Nah' to ‘Rah' is crazy  - Marine recruit says nah to ‘rah,' flees boot camp, gets captured https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/11/12/marine-recruit-says-nah-to-rah-flees-boot-camp-gets-captured/       Book of the Week: The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors (James Hornfisher) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/82865/the-last-stand-of-the-tin-can-sailors-by-james-d-hornfischer/       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Patrick Grimes returns to the show to delve into alternative investment strategies that provide robust financial security. With a focus on diversifying investment portfolios beyond traditional assets, he shares insights on commercial debt, litigation finance, and more. Find out how these investments safeguard against market volatility and learn about his new fund dedicated to diversified litigation portfolios. Key Takeaways To Listen For Patrick's journey from high-tech to real estate and alternative investments Litigation finance and how it provides access to justice while offering strong returns The mechanics of investing in diversified litigation portfolios Specific cases such as Camp Lejeune, AFFF foam, and Roundup lawsuits Strategies for achieving financial security through non-correlated assets Resources/Links Mentioned In This Episode Ep48: Set Yourself Up for Success with Diversified Investments - Patrick Grimes Persistence, Pivots and Game Changers, Turning Challenges Into Opportunities by Kyle Wilson et al. | Paperback and Hardcover About Patrick Grimes Patrick Grimes, Founder and CEO of Passive Investing Mastery and Invest on Main Street, has led diverse alternative investments since 2007, managing nearly 5,000 multifamily units and assets in commercial lending and energy. He's also a Forbes Business Council member and an international bestselling author of Persistence, Pivots, and Game Changers and Persuasive Leadership. Patrick's funds include the Diversified Litigation Fund, delivering returns from late-stage legal cases, and the Recessionary Acquisitions Fund, which targets cash-flow stability through real estate debt. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and both an MBA and MS in Engineering from San Jose State University and resides in Irvine, CA, with his family. Connect with Patrick Website: Passive Investing Mastery | Invest on Main Street LinkedIn: Patrick Grimes Connect With Us If you're looking to invest your hard-earned money into cash-flowing, value-add assets, reach out to us at https://bobocapitalventures.com/. Follow Keith's social media pages LinkedIn: Keith Borie Investor Club: Secret Passive Cashflow Investors Club Facebook: Keith Borie X: @BoboLlc80554

Since 2015/2016, we have an elevated consciousness regarding cancer in the fire service. With slow, but sure processes, we learned the AFFF, and our gear are “dosed” with PFAS. That it about to change. My guests on this episode of “5-Alarm Task Force!” are Kevin Yeazell and his son Kevin Ryan Yeazell of a company Fireground Supply. Several seasons ago, we met (via podcast) Quincy Emmons, from Canada. His company created a product, Fire Rein. It is a liquid composed of all-natural product, without any PFAS/PFOS. My guests reached out to Quincy's company for details and saw how valuable this could be for the fire service. Additionally, Fireground Supply created another firefighting tool, called Eco-Gel. It sticks to almost any product like wood, plastics, and more. What is important to know is that Eco-Gel is made of all natural products, contains no PFAS/PFOS and actually sticks to the surface and will not allow a re-light of what was burning. Kevin Ryan Yeazell is also an expert on firefighting gear. He is deeply involved in the issue of keeping our gear healthy and knows the industry very, very well. While the audio version of this podcast is complete, we urge you to visit our YouTube® channel, “5-Alarm Task Force,” where you will hear the entire podcast, BUT…. you will see several videos included how these products work!You can reach them at their website, www.firegroundsupply.com!                                   ********************Please remember that we need your help especially during this Holiday Season; to raise the important funds we use to financially help our Brothers/Sisters and/or their families, when they are in dire need. Since 2020, we have donated nearly $7,000.00 to our Brothers and Sisters. We can only do that with your help. Please visit our homepage at https://www.5-AlarmTaskForceCorp.org and scroll down to the photo of the E2QB siren. Select the photo and our donation page will appear. From $1.00 to whatever you can afford, any amount will help us. And you can always reach us at Dalmatprod@Outlook.com

This episode of the Fire Sprinkler Podcast is an episode recorded in Dubai with Simon Barratt from Viking! We discuss the development process of Vikings new Fluorine Free Foam, applications, and the replacement process!

We hear from participants at this year's Cranky Dorkfest, the U.S. Marine Corps flew the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone with four F-35B fighters, American Airlines flew a B787 from Dallas to Brisbane in a 15 hour and 44-minute flight, a pair of corporate flight attendants are suing their employer, airlines are reacting to flight restrictions over Russia, and the Portland Jetport is replacing the firefighting foam with something more environmentally friendly. Also, a self-propelling ionic thrust wing, an exploding satellite, and thoughts on DB Cooper from an expert parachutist. Cranky Dorkfest 2024 Brian Coleman recorded interviews at Cranky Dorkfest on September 14, 2024: Melissa - Why she keeps coming back. Her husband is former military mechanic. Benny - A first-timer with a unique Boeing airplane-related telephone number. Jvan - He took home last year's brick mosaic. This is his 3rd year participating. Matt Sauchelli - He's shooting with a Nikon mirrorless camera and a long lens. Ben Grenuchi and Heather - From NYCAviation. Ian Petchenik - Director of Communications at Flightradar24 the live, global flight tracking service. Also, the co-host of AvTalk podcast. Brett (Cranky) Snyder. The man behind it all. For Those Who Didn't Attend, Here's What You Missed at Cranky Dorkfest This Weekend Aviation News Marines score aviation firsts with F-35 squadron, drone test and more A Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie drone completed a test flight last week at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Col. Derek Brannon, branch head for the Cunningham Group, deputy commandant for aviation said “The flight focused on the use of tactical data links to enable digital communication between the XQ-58A and an airborne four-ship of F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 and other joint aircraft.” XQ-58A Valkyrie, courtesy AFRL. The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a low-cost, high-performance, reusable unmanned air vehicle developed through an Air Force Research Laboratory partnership with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. This vehicle is an example of an “attritable” aircraft designed to be used for several missions, but built at a cost that permits it to be a combat loss. American Airlines' longest flight set to be one of the most tracked in the world The American Airlines inaugural flight from Dallas to Brisbane in Australia was heavily followed on Flightradar24. Director of Communications Ian Petchenik said people worldwide “are especially keen to watch the livestream of the landing.” The Boeing 787-9 (N825AA), flight AA7, made the trip in 15 hours and 44 minutes covering a great circle distance of 13,363 KM. See Flight history for American Airlines flight AA7. Overworked Private Flight Attendants For Co-Founder of The Home Depot Claim ‘Inept' Colleagues Kept Their Jobs Because They Were in ‘Romantic Relationship' With Boss Two private flight attendants filed a lawsuit claiming they were overworked while working for the co-founder of The Home Depot, while “inept” co-workers had romantic relationships with their bosses. The two FAs, who quit their jobs, said they sometimes worked 26 days per month and around 90 hours per week. Why It's Harder Getting to China As a result of the war in Ukraine, non-Chinese airlines are no longer entering Russian airspace, so some are discontinuing service to China, or reducing frequency. Demand for flights to China is down, and the cost of avoiding Russian airspace in time and fuel is significant. Virgin Atlantic is dropping its flight connecting Shanghai to London, LOT Polish Airlines is suspending its Warsaw-to-Beijing flights, and SAS plans to stop direct flights between Copenhagen and Shanghai. Chinese airlines are adding capacity. PFAS-free firefighting foam coming to jetport The Portland (Maine) Fire Department plans to replace the AFFF firefighting foam used at the Portland International Jetport with PFAS-free foam.

We talk with travel expert Gary Leff from View from the Wing.com. In the news, the DOT probe of airline frequent flyer programs, U.S. airlines reduced hiring, automated landing fee collection, more on PFAS in aircraft firefighting foam, and FAA action to ease network flight delays. Also, interviews from the Pacific Airshow. Guest Travel expert and blogger Gary Leff was named one of the world's top travel specialists by Conde Nast. He often appears in the media on television, radio, and in print. He's been a keynote speaker at many conferences and both a moderator and panelist at Flightglobal industry conferences, in addition to CardCon and Fincon. His credit card advice has been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Gary blogs at View From the Wing.com and is co-founder of InsideFlyer.com. We talked with Gary about the U.S. Department of Transportation's inquiry into airline rewards programs, including their authority to do so and the likely time before DOT action takes place. Gary comments on the devaluation of miles and gives us his thoughts on airline staffing levels. We consider issues surrounding carry-on baggage and overhead bin space and the topic of code sharing. Visit View From the Wing.com for the writings of a true travel expert. Aviation News Breaking: New Government Investigation Demands Airlines Expose Frequent Flyer Devaluations The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launched an inquiry into airline rewards programs to protect customers from potential unfair, deceptive, or anticompetitive practices. DOT sent letters to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines ordering them to provide records and submit reports with detailed information about their rewards programs, practices, and policies. The probe is focused on the ways consumers participating in airline rewards programs are impacted by the devaluation of earned rewards, hidden or dynamic pricing, extra fees, and reduced competition and choice. See: US probes top airlines' frequent flyer programs for unfair practices and USDOT Seeks to Protect Consumers' Airline Rewards in Probe of Four Largest U.S. Airlines' Rewards Practices U.S. airlines cool hiring after adding 194,000 employees in post-Covid spree During the pandemic, airline employment decreased significantly as customer demand dropped. With the travel recovery, US passenger airlines added almost 194,000 jobs as they tried to catch up. Now hiring is cooling off: demand is moderating, fares are down which puts pressure on profits, labor costs are up with the new contracts, aircraft deliveries are running late, and engine availability is not where it needs to be AOPA Objects to Possible Florida Airport Landing Fees The state of Florida contracted with Virtower to collect aircraft movement data using ADS-B. Virtower partner Vector Airport Systems can use the Virtower data with its PlanePass system to provide automated invoicing. Vector proposes to collect a fee of $3 per 1,000 pounds of aircraft weight. AOPA says ADS-B was never intended to be used as a tool to collect landing fees. They question the need to collect fees at the public-use airports that already receive federal funds. Virtower “monitors key airport operational parameters including takeoffs, landings, touch and go's, pavement utilization, and based aircraft operations. While providing a quick and easy noise complaint investigations tool for all customers.” Brunswick passes unprecedented PFAS resolution calling for action after spill In Episode 812, we talked about aviation firefighting foam, specifically Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) that contains dangerous PFAS (“forever chemicals”). There are efforts to transition to fluorine-free foam (F3) for aircraft firefighting. The Brunswick Town Council passed a resolution calling for a statewide inventory of AFFF that was spilled on Aug. 19, 2024.

The Department of Sustainable Development initiates Saint Lucia's transition to eco-friendly fire-fighting alternatives with a 1,050 gallon donation of fluoride-free foam to the Saint Lucia Fire Service. Used to fight flammable liquid fires, it replaces aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) which contain PFASs (short for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFASs have earned the moniker “forever chemicals” because they can persist in our environment without breaking down for tens of thousands of years. They are toxic and bioaccumulate, causing serious health problems in people, plants and animals. Permanent Secretary in the the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Anita Montoute pledges continued support to the Fire Service in this phase-out effort, “This moment is not just about the quantity of foam being handed over. It represents a tangible demonstration of our ongoing efforts to innovate and prioritize safety without compromising our environmental stewardship. While today's contribution is a commendable step forward, we acknowledge that it's just the beginning. The foams provided are a fraction of what is required for comprehensive fire protection, especially in critical zones such as airports and industrial facilities. This awareness motivates us to continue our efforts and collaborate with your Department and other partners, to ensure that Saint Lucia can fully transition away from harmful foams in the very near future.” An appreciative Acting Divisional Officer at the Fire Service, Jermaine William hopes that this gesture is the beginning of a long term relationship with the Department of Sustainable Development to improve conditions for firefighters, “We are grateful that we have gotten to this point so that we can start our transition as a Department. We will not only stop with the firefighting foam, and not stop with George FL Charles [Airport] only, but we will continue until we basically transition our international airport, which is in the south and all the fire stations around Saint Lucia. From there, we will continue to lean on the Ministry of Sustainable Development to change our fire kit which does contain PFASs.” The donation also includes special containers to collect the rinse water from the cleanout of the aqueous film forming foam from the fire service's tanks, hydrants and piping works before the fluoride free alternative is added. The containers will then be shipped abroad for appropriate disposal. The official hand over was held in a brief ceremony on Wednesday, 15th May 2024 at the George F.L. Charles Airport. Funding for these resources is made possible through the GEF 5558 Project entitled “Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Management Mechanism for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Caribbean” executed by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean.

This training class builds on the earlier information for introductory PFAS topics presented in the PFAS 101 CLU-IN training. It provides more in-depth information for human health effects, ecological toxicity and ecological risk assessment, PFAS regulations, and AFFF alternatives and replacement. Resources and further details for the topics included in this training are in the published PFAS-1 guidance document in Sections 7, 8 and 17.2 along with referenced tables. Learning Objectives: Discuss new information on the health effects of categories of PFAS not previously addressed. We'll also talk about the recent use of data from epidemiology studies to develop toxicity factors and guidelines; describe how the U.S. EPA has recently used a mixtures approach to derive a proposed MCL for 4 PFAS. We'll discuss why certain agencies are regulating PFAS as a class, and give examples, and will also give brief updates on our understanding of the adverse effects of PFAS after inhalation or dermal exposure.Discuss PFAS exposure pathways relevant to ecological receptors; general toxicological information available for invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants; the data gaps and uncertainties associated with ecotoxicological studies; and current approaches in ecological risk assessment of PFAS.Discuss development and findings of some of the External Data Tables including the Water and Soil Values Table, the Air Criteria Table, and the Regulatory Programs Summary Table. Discuss the current status of some of the Federal Regulations including drinking water regulations and how this may impact some states. Discuss the current status of AFFF alternatives and replacement. To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/itrc/PFAS-BTB-HH_042324/

Als Empfänger von staatlicher Grundsicherung im Alter müsste sich Herr K. auf existenziell sicherem Grund wähnen. Für ihn tut sich ein Abgrund auf: In die Rolle des Bittstellers beim Sozialamt gedrängt, fühlt er sich ungerecht behandelt. Als die Behörde Sozialleistungen von ihm zurückfordert, setzt er sich entschlossen zur Wehr. Der Fall eskaliert. Das Feature dokumentiert die jahrelangen Auseinandersetzungen und gibt einen Einblick in das Leben eines Sozialrentners. Dabei wird auch das durch prekäre Beschäftigungsverhältnisse produzierte System von Altersarmut und Grundsicherungsabhängigkeit mit all seinen bürokratischen Regelungen und Restriktionen hinterfragt. Autorin: Inge Braun Regie: Antje Vowinckel Produktion: rbb/NDR 2015

Certain cow-based milk formulas can be dangerous to premature babies. There's a significant percentage of babies that suffer from NEC, a severe condition with a 50-50 mortality rate, after drinking the formulas. There's ongoing litigation against the makers of these formulas as a result.In this episode of David vs. Goliath, host Matt Dolman welcomes Brett Turnbull, a top trial attorney, to discuss the NEC Baby Formula litigation. Brett talks about the current status of the litigation and case criteria. Additionally, Matt and Brett touch on the AFFF firefighting foam litigation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning how lawyers like Brett are fighting for the well-being of individuals and families affected by these issues. To learn more about Attorney Brett Turnbull and his team, please visit the law firm's website or call 205-831-5040.Learn More and Connect☑️ Brett Turnbull | LinkedIn | Facebook☑️ Turnbull, Holcomb & LeMoine, PC | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn☑️ Matt Dolman | LinkedIn☑️ Dolman Law Group☑️ Dolman Law Group on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube☑️ Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeThe insights and views presented in this podcast are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information presented is not a substitute for consulting with an attorney. Nor does tuning in to this podcast constitute an attorney-client relationship of any kind. Any case result information provided on any portion of this podcast should not be understood as a promise of any particular result in a future case....

Our guest is Royal Canadian Navy Lieutenant Steve Oxley, who is the Operations Officer on HMCS Winnipeg, making him third in command of that front line surface combatant warship.Our discussion for this episode specifically focuses on a major incident that occurred aboard HMCS Protecteur (AOR 509), a replenishment oiler that was a part of the Royal Canadian Navy's Pacific Fleet. Protecteur's primary role was to deliver supplies (fuel, aviation fuel, dry goods, and ammunition) to deployed ships.The incident was a major engine room fire which occurred on 27 February 2014, when Protecteur was 340 nautical miles northeast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.LT Oxley was a Sub-Lieutenant on HMCS Protecteur at the time, and he kindly agreed to share his memories of that harrowing event. There are some great perspectives in this episode -- you'll hear what happened, you'll hear about the emergency stations response, you'll hear about bravery, off-the-cuff ingenuity, leadership, allied support, and so much more.Our discussion references some U.S. Navy ships that were dispatched to help HMCS Protectuer, and they are: USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), USS Chosin (CG 65) and USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171).The chat also makes reference to AFFF, which stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam.We are publishing this episode on the 10 year mark since the incident occurred. Our thanks to LT Oxley for his kindness and time in sharing his memories so we can help preserve that history and acknowledge the bravery exhibited by everyone that was serving aboard the ship that day.Go Bold!

Ser assim é ponto não lhe beneficiará em nada!

Join our host Dr. Johnsie Lang and our guest John Anderson. You are listening to The PFAS Research and Remediation Podcast, produced and created by Arcadis with funding from the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, ESTCP grant number ER-23 7692 through the United States Department of Defense. The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) is the U.S. Department of Defense's environmental technology demonstration and validation program. The program's goal is to identify and assess innovative technologies that address DoD's high-priority environmental requirements efficiently and cost-effectively. In this first season, we're focused on PFAS and interview a broad panel of experts who have each contributed to the growing knowledge base around remediating this emerging chemical of concern. Today we'll be speaking with John Anderson, Principal Wastewater Engineer at Arcadis. John specializes in PFAS remediation and has recently focused on the removal of PFAS residuals from fire-suppression systems. He is the principal investigator on project #ER21-7229, titled "Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle Cleaning Assessment", which looks at PFAS left behind in a firetruck following removal of the PFAS-containing AFFF and water flushing. Dr. Johnsie Lang, PFAS Technical Expert with Arcadis North America will be our host today. All opinions, interpretations, and conclusions expressed belong to the hosts and guests and do not represent views or policies of the Department of Defense, Arcadis, or guest affiliations.

 Mark York interviews Andrew Croner from Napoli Shkolnik, a law firm actively involved in the PFOS, PFOA, and AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) settlement in the MDL (multidistrict litigation) and the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Andrew Croner, the head of the environmental department at Napoli Shkolnik, discusses the complex issues surrounding PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) contamination, the health risks associated with these "forever chemicals," and the legal actions being taken to hold manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by their products.   The conversation covers topics such as the history of PFAS, the various health conditions linked to exposure, the challenges of studying these chemicals' effects, the role of the Department of Defense (DOD), residential claims, ongoing litigation efforts, and recent settlements. The interview emphasizes the importance of compensating affected communities and water suppliers and highlights the significant impact of the settlements achieved so far. The discussion also touches on the expanding scope of PFAS-related lawsuits, the challenges of pursuing legal action in this complex area, and the ongoing efforts to ensure that responsible parties bear the financial burden of addressing PFAS contamination.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-croner-04070054/ https://www.napolilaw.com/   Remember to subscribe and follow us on social media…   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mass-tort-news Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/masstortnewsorg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masstortnews.org

Part 2 with Dr. Graham Peaslee. Brace yourselves as we shed light on the unsettling truths behind PFAS exposure with our esteemed guest, Dr. Graham Peaslee. Not only is he a dedicated professor at the University of Notre Dame, but he has also been actively involved in the fire service for over four years. Together, we venture into his groundbreaking work on identifying PFAS exposure sources from AFFF usage and turnout gear, as well as the compelling documentary, Burned Protect the Protectors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VNM0V-P6pg 

Brace yourselves as we shed light on the unsettling truths behind PFAS exposure with our esteemed guest, Dr. Graham Peaslee. Not only is he a dedicated professor at the University of Notre Dame, but he has also been actively involved in the fire service for over four years. Together, we venture into his groundbreaking work on identifying PFAS exposure sources from AFFF usage and turnout gear, as well as the compelling documentary, Burned Protect the Protectors. 

The public often has a negative perception of attorneys, especially plaintiffs attorneys. What many don't know is the crucial role plaintiffs attorneys play in championing the rights of everyday people, often against incredible odds.In this episode of The David vs. Goliath Podcast, Matt Dolman and Stan Gipe welcome Marcus Susen, of Susen Law Group, where they discuss the legal intricacies of mass tort cases, the challenges plaintiffs' attorneys face when taking on contingency fees, and the need for effective leadership structures to manage the claims of those impacted.Marcus also shares a compelling perspective on corporations' treatment in the legal system, the challenges faced by plaintiffs' attorneys, and the limitations of the FDA and the government when it comes to protecting consumers.In this episode: [01:14] Getting into leadership in the mass tort litigation space: Marcus shares how he started, the competition, and his journey to get to where he is today.[04:00] Mass tort case consolidation and leadership: What it means to be in leadership, the costs, risks involved, and case examples.[09:34] Hopes for quicker resolution of Camp Lejeune claims: The Navy is urged to settle a large number of claims related to the Camp Lejeune injuries.[16:46] Vapor study from ATSDR: Data from Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry could potentially support claims for additional injuries in the future.[19:02] Optimism about Camp Lejeune case serving as a model for other mass litigations: Marcus urges cooperation and data sharing to help resolve other similar cases.[19:41] AFFF and PFAS: Shedding light on the risks posed by these chemicals and their widespread presence in our lives.[21:51] Exploring litigation tracks and Bellwether cases: These cases involve the city of Stewart which holds significant implications for both municipalities and individual plaintiffs, setting the stage for potential settlements and shaping the future direction of the litigation. [24:35] Unveiling the AFFF Cases: They cover the number of cases, the upcoming bellwether trial, strength of scientific evidence and the impact of the chemicals to firefighters and military personnel. [27:44] Unmasking the forever chemicals sources: Understanding which companies are involved in its making and the truth about PFAS and their environmental impact. [33:41] Positive change through litigation: Explore the crucial role of plaintiffs attorneys in holding corporations accountable and ensuring consumer safety by initiating recalls and product liability lawsuits, shedding light on corporate wrongdoing. [35:01] FDA, big pharma, and medical device litigation: The questionable ties between FDA and Big Pharma as well as the complexities of medical device litigation, highlighting the Essure and Paragard cases as examples.The insights and views presented in this podcast are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information presented is not a substitute for consulting with an attorney. Nor does tuning in to this podcast constitute an attorney-client relationship of any kind. Any case result information provided...

OSHA discusses its findings after inspecting the Navy's AFFF firefighting foam system at Red Hill; HPR's Sabrina Bodon shares how each county's mayor is approaching the housing crisis; Consolidated Theaters talks tiered pricing, subscription services; and the Ka‘ahumanu Society details its mission

BACK WITH A BRAND NEW EPISODEEE!!

On this episode of Cut to the Chase:, Wesley Bowden-attorney and shareholder of Levin Papantonio, discusses another environmental disaster and public health threat involving numerous water bodies.   In this episode, Wesley explains how 3M and other companies have manufactured a fire fighting foam that is referred to as AFFF that is making its water into our water bodies.   While fighting fires has become a major issue facing lots of places in the USA and the world, this foam unfortunately is made with what Wesley describes as forever chemicals.   As the name says, these chemicals are not only difficult to remove from the waters bodies, but they are toxic and causing untold problems to fire fighters and those who use the affected water bodies.    If you are a fire fighter or are have cancer and you believe that you live near a water body that fire fighters often train around, please contact Wesley to discuss the matter. https://www.levinlaw.com/attorney-profiles/wesley-bowden  Here is some more information on this problem from Wesleys lawfirm.  https://www.levinlaw.com/attorney-profiles/wesley-bowden

On this episode of Cut to the Chase:, marketing savante Amy Scragg from Broughton Partner, comes on to discuss how lawyers that want to start, grow, or diversify their practices with mass tort cases and the like safely can do so.   Even if you are not skilled in mass torts, Amy can help you build up a portfolio of mass tort cases and the like such as Camp Lejeune, 3M, AFFF, the Hair Relaxer product, and many more.   While you might be worried that you don't know how to screen the cases, handle the cases, handle the client calls-Amy explains how to do this without a fuss or staffing up.....and it's called referrals.   Yes, Amy is well connected with the lead lawyers in each of the different mass tort cases and will get you great deals with them.   All the paper work is set up by the referring law firm.   The case criterior is set by referring law firm, calls are handled by a call center, and the work on the cases is handled by the referring firm.   Of course, if you and your law firm want to handle the cases yourself without a referring law firm, that is also an option.    Here is a link to Broughton Partners so you can see the details of this type of marketing, along with all the other traditional marketing that they provide. https://get.broughtonpartners.com/b2b-contact-us-branded/?tml_pnum=833-596-1583&intakesource=BP_BroughtonPartners_Branded-BING-WEB&asid=1317216028682420&aid=82326233844266&placement=broughton%20partners&msclkid=a7466463f52f1eed1e7f07dfcb74bddd

Gregory Cade, Darren Miller, & Adam Binder discuss AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits with Case Works's Susan Barfield.

A new leak at the troubled Red Hill fuel facility. It's not fuel, but rathter a toxic firefighting foam known as AFFF, which contains so-called "forever chemicals" that don't break down. Officials say about 1,100 gallons of it leaked on Tuesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Ferrara is considered a PFAS subject matter expert who has 34-years of fire service experience, and agile Fire Protection and Emergency Service (FPES) consulting expertise, to emergency service affiliated organizations around the world. In the episode we speak about Kevin's personal experience and exposure with PFAS during his years of service and specifically Aqueous Film Forming Foam or (AFFF) which is a fire suppressant used by firefighters. In order to make the mixture foamy and create a film that helps extinguish fires, AFFF contains chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Two of the most common types of PFAS found in AFFF are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and/or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These chemicals are human-made compounds and don't occur naturally in the environment. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, they are harmful if a person suffers long-term exposure. The chemicals build up in the body and may cause negative health effects, including cancer. Lab studies have found that PFOS and PFOA are toxic to animals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found evidence suggesting that PFOS and PFOA may cause cancer. With Kevin we talk about his experience as a firefighter, risks involved with AFFF, how people can test for exposure, his advocacy about it, and his response from the military, fire departments, and the VA. Contact and connect with Kevin: kferrara@afso21.com AFFF: https://www.consumernotice.org/environmental/afff/ PFAS in blood: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/blood-testing.html https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm

When there's a fire to be put out at an airport or a military base, the first priority is to contain the flames and extinguish what could be a disaster. Rarely is anybody thinking about the methods at which fires are put out, but in recent cases it's become a question of how a certain firefighting method is affecting the people and property involved.A firefighting foam called AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) that is commonly used on military bases and airports has been found to be dangerous to people and almost impossible to get rid of, earning the title ‘Forever Chemicals.'Matt Dolman describes the danger of these chemicals over time, explaining that this foam is not used for commercial use unless it's at a military base. The chemicals can stick around for up to 40 years, get into the water and start to grow into surrounding regions leading to growing cases of cancers, diseases, and ailments have been linked to this foam. Stan Gipe also elaborates that these forever chemicals can't be eradicated when they're in your community. You can move the chemicals, but the removal process costs millions of dollars and puts those involved in the cleanup process at risk.Dolman Law is handling multiple cases involving firefighters, families, and communities who have been affected by AFFF harm. It's important to go with a firm that understands the nuances of these cases and puts you at the front of the line to receive compensation.In this episode: [00:46] What is AFFF and where is it used?[01:38] What makes AFFF so dangerous and who does it affect?[04:40] Who is receiving relief from AFFF cases?[7:03] How to get in touch with Dolman Law Group

The release of a group of toxic chemicals called PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are used in firefighting foam, has resulted in separate lawsuits on opposite ends of the U.S.The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports a town in Wisconsin named Peshtigo filed a lawsuit against Tyco Fire Products and over 100 other companies involved in manufacturing and designing PFAS compounds because of contamination of drinking water, property and natural resources. Also, Fox 8 reported lawsuits filed by North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein that target makers of Aqueous Film Forming Foam and the companies that manufacture AFFF components with PFAS. 3M, Chemours and DuPont were listed. Peshtigo's lawsuit claims over 230 of the town's drinking water wells were contaminated by Tyco and other businesses. Tyco, located in a nearby town, tested firefighting foam with PFAS outdoors from 1962 to 2017. It stopped after finding foam in the soil near the company's fire training center and a sewer system.In North Carolina, Stein's lawsuits center around contamination at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) airport as well as Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Stein alleges the companies were aware of the dangers firefighting foam posed to first responders and natural resources. The issue dates back to 2019 when the city of Greensboro drafted a $31 million mission plan to resolve the issue that began in Greensboro and made its way to Wilmington, nearly 200 miles away.

Specialization in the fire service isn't anything new, but Crash Fire Rescue, or Aircraft Rescue Firefighting is a specialty all in its own. In this episode, I spoke with Jim Nilo who was instrumental in developing and improving AFFF training in Virginia, all because he washed out of one Marine Corps training program and wanted "the shortest school" on that base. Jim ultimately became the fire chief at the Richmond International Airport and continues to train airport firefighters all over the world. Support this podcast at https://patreon.com/firehouselogbookpodcast Comments or suggestions? Contact us at: Email - FirehouseLogbook@gmail.com Twitter - @FDLogbook Instagram - @FDLogbookPodcast Facebook - www.facebook.com/FDLogbookPodcast Website - www.firehouselogbook.captivate.fm Music: "Tired traveler on the way to go home", Andrew Codeman via Freemusicarchive.com

Do you have 13 friends you could gather for a cross-country road trip from Seattle to New York and back? Not to give things away, but you'd have to make that trip in 14 Priuses in order to produce the amount of CO2 that one Growler jet produces in a single hour of flight. Not only that, but the firefighting foam used during military training  contains dangerous chemicals that have contaminated local water supplies. In this episode, climate consultant Chris Greacen (he/him) and environmental advocate and consultant Rick Abraham (he/him) tell us how the Navy is polluting the skies and the water of Whidbey Island and beyond. Listen to hear not just how these jets are contributing to massive climate impacts and contamination, but also how the Navy isn't sharing the full extent of the damage.   Resources: Learn more about the Growler jets and how to take action at: www.SoundDefenseAlliance.org Citizens of Ebey's Reserve (COER) Quiet Skies Over San Juan County Terra.Do Climate Change Course My Climate Journey Podcast The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Whidbey Environmental Action Network The EPA's updated guidance on PFAS   Glossary Terms: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) - A government document that outlines the impact of a proposed project on its surrounding environment. In the United States, these statements are mandated by federal law for certain projects. No Action Alternative - Considers what would happen if the federal agency continued to operate and maintain the authorized project with no changes. National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) - An act signed into law on January 1, 1970 that requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) - A federal freedom of information law that requires the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States government upon request. Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) - Repetitive "touch and go" landings at airfields, which simulate landing on an aircraft carrier. PFAS Chemicals - Synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain. They are known to persist in the environment and are commonly described as persistent organic pollutants, also known as "forever chemicals". Ault Field - The main base portion of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI). Aqueous fire fighting foam (AFFF) - A highly effective foam used for fighting high-hazard flammable liquid fires. AFFF is usually created by combining foaming agents with fluorinated surfactants. Outlying Field (OLF) - A military airport owned and operated by the United States Navy located two miles southeast of Coupeville, Washington, on Whidbey Island. Also known as Naval Outlying Landing Field Coupeville or NOLF Coupeville.  Nature sounds recorded in the Olympic National Park (Gordon Hempton, The Sound Tracker, Co-Founder Quiet Parks International) Hosted by Terra Huey and Caitlin Epstein Produced by Caitlin Epstein in partnership with the Sound Defense Alliance

For more than 50 years, firefighters have relied on aqueous film forming foam—better known as AFFF—to quickly and effectively put out dangerous liquid fuel fires. However, due to health and environmental concerns, AFFF is now being rapidly phased out across the world. On today's podcast, we talk with one of the world's leading researchers on firefighting foams about why AFFF is going away, the work that has gone into finding suitable replacements, and what fire departments need to know as they make the transition.    LINKS: Read “The New Foam,” the cover story of the Fall 2022 issue of NFPA Journal   Read the 2022 Fire Protection Research Foundation report, “Firefighting Foams: Fire Service Roadmap”   Read the 2020 Fire Protection Research Foundation report, “Evaluation of the Fire Protection Effectiveness of Fluorine Free Firefighting Foams”

In this episode, host, Kevin Ferrara clarifies what "Burn Pits" is defined as and how it is  misleading to military firefighters.The Promise to Address  Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, proposes to establish presumptive of 23 service connected medical conditions to include respiratory illnesses and cancers for eligible veterans who deployed to certain locations where "Burn Pits" were in operation.  Kevin explains how these provisions will not affect military firefighters exposed to toxins from fire training "burn pits".In addition to the legislative provisions, Kevin talks about the AFFF registry that will only apply to "eligible" individuals.  As always, please comment on  the episode and share your questions with Kevin and his audience.Links: Plan to give new benefits to burn pits victims passes House, faces difficult path ahead (Military Times Article)H.R. 3967, Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021Link to H.R. 3967 actionsMichael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act  AFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionAFSO21 Delivering strategic & operational planning fundamentals to emergency services around the worldFire Dept. Coffee Veteran owned and run by firefighters, Fire Dept. Coffee offers a wide variety of delicious coffeeSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

Today we are joined by Mike Stagg of Stag Liuzza in New Orleans. Mike is in the middle of trial preparation for what would be considered a long hard road by any stretch of the litigation imagination of a single case that took 10 years to get to trial. Mike begins a transvaginal mesh trial in Huntington WV federal court in mid-February 2022 that he has been working on for 10 years. The defendant is the Ethicon division of Johnson & Johnson and is a legacy trial of the previously settled multidistrict litigation against various TVM manufacturers. Those dockets settled for billions of dollars several years ago and kudos to Mike and his firm for maintaining such high standards in representing their client and ensuring she has a day in court.  We will also touch on the AFFF firefighter foam multidistrict litigation where Mike is a member of the plaintiff steering committee and his additional work in environmental contamination and related litigation across the country. Remember to subscribe and follow us on social media… LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mass-tort-news Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/masstortnewsorg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masstortnews.org

Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) joined the program for a discussion about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and their votes that helped pass a generational investment in the built environment.   Transcript: ACEC:  Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. Today, I am very pleased to be bringing you two members of Congress who were instrumental in helping get the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act across the finish line. Congressman Don Bacon, representing Nebraska's Second Congressional District, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, representing Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, join us today on the show. As a matter of introduction, Congressman Bacon was elected in 2016 and represents Nebraska's second congressional District. Now prior to serving in the House,, Congressman Bacon served as an officer in the Air Force, specializing in electronic warfare intelligence and reconnaissance. He served 16 assignments with the Air Force, including four deployments in the Middle East, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired with the rank of Brigadier General and currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agricultural Committee.  ACEC:  Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick represents Pennsylvania's First Congressional District. Prior to his election, he served as both an FBI special agent and as a federal prosecutor fighting both domestic and international political corruption and supporting global counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence efforts, including being embedded with U.S. Special Forces as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the 117th Congress, Brian was elected co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, having previously served as the vice-chair. He is the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber, and was appointed by House Leadership to currently serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and as a Commissioner on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission. Additionally, Congressman Fitzpatrick serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, a committee near and dear to our hearts. Thank you both for joining us today.  ACEC:  I'd like to start off, with Congressman Bacon first, and then Congressman Fitzpatrick. For our audience, who may not be well acquainted with Nebraska or Pennsylvania, can you tell us a little bit about your districts?  Congressman Bacon:  My district is Omaha and the south suburbs, so we have about 700,000 in about a county and a half, but it's really Omaha suburbs. In the next cycle, with redistricting, I gain another county. It's an urban/suburban community. It's one of the most purple districts in the country, officially R plus one. It's a railroad junction and an interstate junction, so it's very infrastructure intensive.  ACEC:  And Congressman Fitzpatrick. I have to admit full transparency. I am from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, so I am Bucks County all the way. Of course I remember it fondly as the Eighth Congressional District, but tell us a little bit about the First.  Congressman Fitzpatrick:  I didn't know you were from Doylestown, but I knew you're familiar with the area. So, the First District is the Philly suburbs. It's all Bucks County, which is the county just to the north of the city line of Philadelphia. The southern part of my district borders the city line of Philadelphia. The entire east side of my district borders, the river, crossing over into New Jersey. And then about 12 percent of my district is the adjacent county to the west Montgomery County. So I have sort of the central part, that's adjacent to Bucks County. Lke Don, we have about 740,000 constituents or so,. We're actually losing a district in Pennsylvania, going to 18 to 17, so my district will grow by about another 40,000 or so.,  ACEC:  Do you think you're going to grow west or north?  Congressman Fitzpatrick:  There are two maps. The House came out with a map that has me expanding my Montgomery county piece, and the State Senate came out with a map that has me picking up Northeast Philadelphia and also the northwestern part of Montgomery county. So two very different districts,  ACEC:  But two districts that were rely heavily on our infrastructure and the built environment. One of the things that I think is important to note here--and we hear it from our members, because I think that the way that this bill came to the floor and the way that House Leadership decided to tie the president's larger agenda together and to tie the infrastructure plan to Build Back Better--is that there's some misinformation out there that this is Build Back Better. It's not. This is a separate bill. This is hard infrastructure funding, that's both reauthorized funding and additional funding above that. There's some misunderstandings about the bill. What are the things you're hearing from your constituents that you really want to clarify, or misconceptions that you'd like to dispel?  Congressman Bacon:  I'll start off. Initially--and I think both Brian and I had this--we heard probably about 90 percent of the criticism was that it was a Build Back Better bill. Folks would say, "Hey, this bill passed amnesty for 11 million adults. You voted to support removing the Hyde Amendment and all the things that are in the Build Back Better bill." And I think we've done a pretty good job of poking that down. Another thing we heard was that only 10 percent of the bill is hard infrastructure, and that is not true. In fact, I've gone through it. I would say 94 percent of that bill is hard infrastructure. The rest of is doing toxic site cleanup on federal lands, which is also needed, by the way. And then we also heard this is a victory for Joe Biden. I think it's a victory for our country, a nd it could have been a victory for Republicans if our leadership would have responded more smartly, just to be blunt about it.  Congressman Bacon:  And I think the other area, which is more legitimate, is just worries about the deficit, and that's a legitimate area that we could go into. I have some perspectives on it, but those are the main areas of criticism, But early on, it was all Build Back Better. They are two totally separate bills, and which Brian and I both opposed. And in fact, Build Back Better has not passed yet out of the Senate, and it's probably going to be greatly changed by the time it does  ACEC:  Congressman, what are you hearing from your constituents in Pennsylvania?  Congressman Fitzpatrick:  Not surprisingly, all of us kind of heard the same thing. Don spelled it up perfectly. People confused and conflating the two different bills, which are two separate distinct bills. How anybody could argue that they're linked is beyond me. First of all, the Senate passed it on August 10th. House Leadership refused to put it on the floor because they weren't linking them, they were holding one hostage for another, and that's very different. But it passed and it's now signed into law, and the Build Back Better programs' fate remains very uncertain, at best. It has not been voted on. It has not been signed into law. A version was voted on in the House, which is dead on arrival in the Senate. That was more or less a messaging bill because reconciliation has to start in the House, so they just sent something over there to start the volley. But these bills are not linked.  Congressman Fitzpatrick:  In fact, I would submit to you, and you don't need to take my word for this, the moderate Democrat senators who are going to be outcome determinative in what, if any, passes the Senate with regard to reconciliation have told us that the passage of this bill actually will, in the worst case, lower the price tag significantly of the reconciliation bill, if not, obliterate it all together. So that's the reality. And yet there were so many people--and Don knows this--so many people who wanted to vote for this. The reason they didn't was because the politics wouldn't let them. And myself and Don and many of our other colleagues refused to allow politics to dictate how we vote. The easy thing to do would be to vote "No," and just go "Rah, rah, go party," right? That's not what we're about. We came here to help our country. And Don is absolutely right. If this would've been played the right way, this could have been a bipartisan victory altogether, but you can't make policy decisions based on who we win or loses politically. It's gotta be about whether America wins or loses. And if that bill came up tomorrow, I'd vote the same way.  Congressman Bacon:  Good policy is good politics. And our guys should have thought about that. I think in August, our team could have said, we want this bill on the floor right now, and we could have turned it to our advantage, but we, sort of ceded that. But in the end, infrastructure is needed for our GDP, exports, national security, public safety. and, as you mentioned, we haven't had a major investment in infrastructure in 40 years. And I'm the party of Lincoln? Also the party of the transcontinental railroad? And the party of Eisenhower, who did the interstate system? We should have embraced this.  ACEC:  That an important point to make. I mean, largely infrastructure investment has been a Republican core issue. It's constitutional, I remember when I was on TNI staff, we had that up there on the right side of the room, where in the Constitution on post roads, the constitutional underpinning for federal investment in infrastructure. And you're right, between the interstate highway system and the like, it's a core issue, and it was unfortunate to see it tied into this.  Congressman Fitzpatrick:  You hear a lot of talk about the big lie. I say the big lie this month was that only 11 percent of the infrastructure bill was real infrastructure. That is a provably false statement. Why anybody would say that, shame on them. Half of the bill, right off the bat, before we even get into the new parts, half of this bill was a standard five year surface transportation reauthorization, which sailed through the last Congress in 2016, when the GOP held the chamber. This has never been controversial. And the $550 billion supplemental, does so by recapturing unused COVID relief money, recapturing unused state unemployment insurance augmentation--that additional $300 a week that a lot of the state governors returned--and it doesn't open the tax code up at all. And just for comparison, we're talking about $550 billion additional over five years. China last year alone spent $3.7 trillion in infrastructure, outside of China. Outside of their country as part of the Belt and Road initiatives. So no matter how you want to slice this, we should all be focused in on the China issue. And look at it that way as well, because this is an investment in the nuts and bolts of our country.  ACEC:  You look at the numbers. Let's take Nebraska, for example. In the state, you have over 1,300 bridges and over 1,100 miles of highway in poor condition. You have commuting times going up across the country, Pennsylvania and Nebraska alike. You have money that's going to go specifically to improve surface infrastructure, that's going to improve people's lives, make it easier for economic development, open corridors for development, job opportunities, and growth. In our sector alone, we're looking at about 82,000 in direct employment, new jobs that will be created. And all the tax base that comes from that. If we don't invest in our surface infrastructure, we're we're pretty much shooting ourselves in the foot from a global competitive standpoint. During your discussions with your members and Congressman Fitzpatrick, I know you're part of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and you look at the issues. Did that resonate? Was there an understanding that this does actually create jobs and opportunity?  Congressman Bacon:  Absolutely. In our district, we have some of the largest trucking companies in the country. We also have the largest railroad company, Union Pacific. In other words, roads, bridges, railroads and very important.And we have the stuff for airports also in there, but I would also suggest that even the things that aren't part of Nebraska are still important for Nebraska. Ports and locks are very important for agriculture exports. We're one of the leading exporters for agriculture. Nebraska is the largest exporter of beef of all 50 states. It's very important to have good ports and locks for the agriculture sector.  Congressman Bacon:  As I look back, every major industry in Omaha supported this bill. The farm bureau were very much in support. The cattlemen. You had the Chamber, all the building trades were there. It's interesting to have unions and chamber together on this bill. The manufacturers were for it, the equipment operators and the equipment distributors. I can go through every major industry there, and they were supportive of this. But all of them, for the most part, maybe there were one or two exceptions, opposed the Build Back Better bill. So the business leaders and the economic folks, and the labor folks knew the importance of this bill for Nebraska and what means, and I mentioned to our leadership, you're asking us to oppose a bill that every major industry supports. I took two polls, in both around 70 percent of the citizens supported it. I said, we're on the wrong side of this issue.  ACEC:  Absolutely. And even the funding that's not directly to build roads or to restore bridges, such as resiliency and resilient infrastructure, those are things that also pay dividends into the future. I know anecdotally, you know, there are high rain events up in New York and that goes down the Delaware River and the eastern portion of Bucks County floods. And you have other issues, Congressman Bacon that you experience in Nebraska as well. If we're able to make our infrastructure, not only our surface infrastructure, but our communications and our electrical distribution systems, more resilient, and of course, resilient not just to weather events, but also for cybersecurity, we're going be more secure as a country.  Congressman Bacon:  Nebraska's rated 48th on rural broadband, so we'll benefit there. We have a lot of lead pipes, so the drinking water infrastructure part was also very important. And so literally these aspects of the bill are very important in Nebraska.  ACEC:  I think Nebraska is going to get an allocation of a hundred million dollars for rural broadband. That's a significant investment, especially now post COVID, it's not a luxury anymore. It's a requirement, not just for education, but for economic development,, and that's critically important, Pennsylvania, along the same lines, gets about one hundred million for broadband coverage across the state. There are about 394,000 Pennsylvanians who lack access to broadband, so connecting those people is going to be critically important. Congressman Fitzpatrick, I'll start with you. Is there a project in the district, or an area that you would really like to see improved, transportation-wise for your constituents?  Congressman Fitzpatrick:  Where do we begin? You know our region. The Northeast Corridor has the most infrastructure, the largest infrastructure and also the oldest infrastructure. We're heavily reliant on rail, on bridges, on tunnels, on ports. So certainly there's all of that. Obviously I-95 runs through our district. State routes, like 611, run through our district. But one that not many people realize, bit both me and my brother before me are very focused on the PFAS issue. There is a big PFAS remediation component to this. That's been a huge issue for the central part of our district, the area in and around, the Willow Grove Naval Air Station, where you had these AFFF firefighting foams that have PFAS and PFOA in it that have just wreaked havoc on the water supplies of so many people in that region. A big part of this bill finally addresses PFAS remediation, which was the big component of that problem. So the central part of our district is going to benefit tremendously from this.  ACEC:  Absolutely. That's been an issue for decades. And finally having that addressed is a significant real-life community improvement. It's going to impact people's lives, without question. Congressman Bacon, for your constituents, what do you see?  Congressman Bacon:  Well, our constituents are going to see benefits primarily in roads and bridges. As you said, we have 1,300 bridges that are in Nebraska, and some of those are right around Omaha. So the roads, the bridges, the rail, the airport funding is all going to have a direct impact. And of course for the rest of Nebraska, the rural broadband will be there. We have a lot of lead pipes in Omaha that we have to switch out. So there's 200 million to replace the lead pipes for drinking water. And that's also going be a big deal for our district.  Congressman Bacon:  But as already mentioned, I think more broadly, the ports and locks. They're not connected to Nebraska, but boy they're certainly connected to our economy. And I've got to give a lot of our folks back home this little tidbit on locks. Our locks are 80 to 90 years old. They're a third of the size of Brazil's that they're putting in right now. And we could grow corn and soybeans, beef and pork, more affordably than anybody else in the world, but if you can't ship it and get it to the right place for exports at a competitive price, you're gonna lose that competitive advantage.So if we want to lead the world in exports in these areas, our logistics have to be updated. And so I think more broadly that it's not just what's being put in our, district; it's our economy as a whole that's impacted.  ACEC:  That's a very good point that you raise. At the beginning of the month, we had a symposium down in Charleston on intermodal and logistics. Essentially dealing with all the supply chain pressures that we're having and experiencing now. The point you raise is a good one. When people of think of ports, you think, okay, you've got Long beach, you've got Charleston, and you have a couple of seaside ports. But you also have your inland ports. You have the importance of having a strong logistics system to actually move goods to market, so farmers in Nebraska can export out from areas on the East Coast. It's critically important. And it helps keep America competitive, and especially competitive in a fairly competitive global agriculture market. Congressman Fitzpatrick, you're a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This was, of course, a major accomplishment on that side of the committee's jurisdiction. Coming up, I believe the committee might be considering another Water Resources Development Act bill. What do you see coming up from the committee?  Congressman Fitzpatrick:  Water is something that they wanted to take on separately for a whole host of reasons. I don't know where that's going to stand now that we just passed a major infrastructure rebuild, if this is gonna be what's next for them or not. I know for Congress as a whole, obviously there are some other things that they're focused on right now. I can tell you our Problem Solvers are very focused on issues regarding the Chinese communist party and issues regarding the semiconductor industry, which is incredibly important. If we fall behind in that industry, we've got major problems going forward. Whoever owns the semiconductor industry is going to own the future. And that's not just with regard to jobs. Literally everything we use is now computerized and digitized, including vehicles, including everything, and we used to produce 35 to 40 percent of the world's semiconductor supply. We're now at 12 percent; Europe is at 8 percent. Asia is 70 percent, and of that 70 percent, 30 percent is in Taiwan. So that's obviously one of the many reasons why we have to keep our eye on the situation over there. Our caucus met with Pat Gelsinger, the CEO of Intel, a great domestic semiconductor producer and manufacturer. And he's begging us, to just allow them to be competitive in this country, both through our tax code, our regulatory code and things like the CHIPS Act, where we're going to infuse and invest in that industry, given how important it is to our future. So that's what I see as coming up next.  ACEC:  And again there's always an infrastructure angle. When I was with Congressman Schuster back in the ninth district of Pennsylvania, right in the center of the state, we would say, you don't get economic development unless you flush a toilet. You're not going to attract a manufacturing base, unless there is the infrastructure. and not just the surface infrastructure to get employees to their work, but to get distribution there. That's what attracts it. So, if we're able to build out and make it easier for goods to get the market, we might be able to attract more domestic manufacturing and have that stay in the United States. But you're right, tied to that is a favorable regulatory and tax environment. Congressman Bacon, what do you see coming up coming up next?  Congressman Bacon:  On the infrastructure front, I'll defer to Brian on that, because he's on that committee. For me, I have a lot of infrastructure in the Hass that we have to continue working on. We have five bases that were destroyed through hurricanes or floods or earthquakes. So we're continuing to try to get these five bases back up to speed. So, that's our military infrastructure. But if you look at what we did with this bill, and I've looked at some studies, I think we only bought about half of what we needed to do. It's a good half, and we're gonna work that half and it's going to take four or five years to get this money spent. But we have to realize that we only paid off about half of what it's going to take to get our infrastructure back up to speed.  Congressman Bacon:  One of the studies I was looking at, and we have to be candid here--and Brian touched on this before--right now we're spending 2 percent of GDP on infrastructure. Europe is at 5 percent, and China is at 9 percent. I think we have to reevaluate how we're going to do this over the long haul. It shouldn't just be a four-year bill, and okay, now we've caught up. I think we probably need to readjust our baseline for what we need to be doing for infrastructure. If you look back over 40 years, for the first 20, we were sort of hanging even, but when you look at the last 20, the gas tax has not kept up with the costs. Inflation has eroded the gas tax revenues, but the roads have gotten more costly to fix. And so, over the last 20 years, we've fallen behind pretty quickly. And so I think we have to reevaluate. What do we want to do to keep up with our infrastructure? We shouldn't just say to put duct tape on it and fix it, but let's find a way to sustain it.  ACEC:  Absolutely. And then the growth of electric car market, of course that doesn't directly pay into the user fee. And you have to look at different innovative financing tools to do that.  Congressman Bacon:  Our miles-per-gallon used to be 15 miles per gallon or something. Now a lot of cars, especially with the hybrids it's double or triple that. And so we're bringing in a lot less gas revenue. And you're right, electrical cars are not paying in at all. And our roads and highways, in the meantime, are taking a beating. Amd our bridges. So we've got to figure out how to fix it.  ACEC:  It's a good thing that we have two good members of Congress who are actually going to be working on the problem, doing the problem solving, and moving good policy forward. And for that, we do appreciate both of your leadership,  Congressman Bacon:  Brian is our fearless leader on the Problem Solvers. He's Mr. Chairman.  Congressman Fitzpatrick:  And Don's our fearless leader on Main Street.  ACEC:  It's nice because we hear so much about discord and disagreement in Congress, but there are members who are focused on tackling the problems that we face and creating solutions. I think that what you mentioned at the outset, that good policy like this should carry a lot of other members to support it. So your leadership is a welcome thing these days.  Congressman Bacon:  If you read about Abraham Lincoln, he was a big follower of Henry Clay and Henry Clay wanted the American system, which was focused on waterways and roads. And they took a lot of heat from the other party. If you look at the arguments back then, they're almost the same now. Our country needs to be tied together well, and again, it's all about interstate commerce.  ACEC:  I do appreciate your time today. It's getting close to the Christmas season, and everybody's trying to get their last things done and votes in, so I do appreciate it. Thank you very much for supporting the legislation. Of course, the engineering industry is very interested in getting to work on delivering on the funding that's been passed in the bill. And I do appreciate both of your time today. Thank you. And again, this has been the Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. We'll see you real soon.   

In this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks about his personal PFAS blood test results received from Eurofins.  Eurofins is an alternate source of PFAS blood testing.  Their testing capabilities look for 47 PFAS analytes.As Kevin talks about his own PFAS levels, he also highlights why it is important to have blood tested for PFAS and what health risks are associated with each analyte.  As the podcast continues, Kevin talks about his recent interview with Spotlight on America.  Kevin's interview is a continuation of the amazing work Spotlight on America reporter Joce Sterman has done to highlight the significance of PFAS contamination through America and how certain organizations like the military knew PFAS was toxic but said and did little to nothing to prevent unnecessary exposures.Kevin reminds audience members the next episode will host guest, Alison Fienning, Owner of Pinpoint Behavioral Health and how her work to treat first responders, veterans, and their families has benefited those in need as well as emergency services.Links:EurofinsEmpowerDX PFAS Test KitToxic firefighting foam: Exclusive documents show military knew about the risk for years (WJLA.com)Toxic firefighting foam may have harmed U.S. Service members (The National Desk)Pinpoint Behavioral HealthBrothers Helping Brothers5th Annual Firefighter Health & Wellness ConferenceAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionFire Dept. Coffee Veteran owned and run by firefighters, Fire Dept. Coffee offers a wide variety of delicious coffeeSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

Se o surf fosse uma pessoa e comportasse dentro de um só ser todas as verdades atribuídas a ele, seria um alguém de personalidade, no mínimo, perturbada. Sim, com essa polêmica levantada por Rapha Tognini, esse episódio do Surf de Mesa, gravado em pleno dia do psicólogo, adentrou aos meandros da análise completamente amadora dessa entidade etérea denominada "o surf".Surf é saúde? Aloha? Progressivo? Soul surf? Retrô? Clássico? Com leash? Sem leash? Natureza? Consumo? Liberdade? Coragem? Medo? Sossego? Desafio? Poliuretano? Química? Tóxico? Surfista de verdade? Haole? Local? Prego? Good vibes? Localismo? Acessível? Exclusivo? Caro? Barato? Lifestyle? Esporte? Religião? Corpo? Alma? Espírito? Vício? Amor? Cura? Afff... Daria pra encher um caderninho com todos os delírios e contradições que a turma curte transformar em lado A e lado B.Mas nesse episódio, nosso trio de vozes tenta driblar tantos atributos para compreender, afinal, o que resta de essencial a esse tema que tanto movimenta e comove a todos nós. Quer um spoiler? Deu encrenca e ninguém sabia mais por onde seguir. Até que a iluminação veio: o surf é "de um tudo", e cagar regra é recurso que diz mais sobre quem afirma do que sobre o surf em si mesmo.Chega mais e faz o surf do teu jeito... Só não deixa de clicar aqui pra ouvir essa viagem coletiva sobre algo que não pertence a ninguém e é de todo mundo ao mesmo tempo.

The Whole View, Episode 464:  Forever Chemicals: What are PFAS? Welcome back to episode 464! (0:28) Science has shown, pretty unequivocally, how harmful these chemicals are for decades. It's not recent science. And what we see in modern days is regulatory agencies not being able to keep up with capitalism demands. This topic is difficult to see in something other than a "conspiracy" lens. But that is why it's important to Stacy and Sarah now, more than ever, to make sure they stick to scientific research as much as possible. There are specific areas known to have high levels of PFAS. If you know you're in one of those areas, it's possible to test your blood for your exposure levels. Stacy reminds the audience that she and Sarah are not medical professionals. So, if you have any health concerns around this topic, be sure to see a doctor.   What Are Forever Chemicals? PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals used to make products greaseproof, waterproof, and stain-resistant. (7:30) They are "forever chemicals" because they and their breakdown products are extremely persistent, lasting thousands of years or more. But, unfortunately, we have no way to speed up the breakdown, so they end up bioaccumulating in the environment and our bodies. Of the more than 9,000 known PFAS compounds, the U.S. uses 600 alone! Countless products, including firefighting foam, cookware, cosmetics, carpet treatments, and even dental floss, contain PFAS compounds. PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances- chemicals with at least one aliphatic perfluorocarbon moiety (e.g., -CnF2n-). PFAS includes multiple subclasses of chemicals: PFAA - perfluoroalkyl acids and perfluoroalkylether acidsPFOS - perfluorooctanesulfonic acid  PFOA - perfluorooctanoic acid (C8, used to make PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene, aka Teflon) PFAA precursors Fluoropolymers Perfluoropolyethers other (primarily less reactive) PFAS  The most consistent feature within the class of PFAS is that their perfluorocarbon moieties do not break down or do so very slowly under natural conditions. This is why PFAS have often termed "forever chemicals." Because PFAS are persistent, they accumulate or concentrate in the environment, including water, air, sediment, soil, and plants. Elevated levels of PFAS and their widespread presence in environmental media and drinking water stem from industrial sites that produce or use PFAS, airports, military bases (fire-training and response areas), landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and the spreading of PFAS-contaminated biosolids. Some PFAS are highly mobile in either air or water. This allows them to travel long distances from their sources.  It's important to note that we don't metabolize PFAS molecules. Sarah recommends this great article and this review for more information.    How Do They Harm Health? A better question might be how do they not harm health because their detriment is incredibly pervasive. (10:50) Data from toxicokinetic studies of PFAA indicate that they are generally well-absorbed after ingestion. After absorption, they distribute blood to organs and tissues that receive high blood flow, such as the liver, kidney, lung, heart, skin, testis, brain, bone, and spleen. Because PFAA can occupy sites on multiple receptors, proteins, and cell interfaces in the body, they can produce physiological effects across various tissues. Nine nuclear receptors are activated (controls gene expression), including PPAR-alpha, which controls fatty acid beta-oxidation and is a major regulator of energy homeostasis.  They also bind to a variety of serum proteins, including steroid hormones and albumins, which are transport proteins (e.g., vitamin D-binding protein)  Scientists have found direct links (with mechanisms identified) between PFAS exposure and kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, developmental toxicity, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, pregnancy-induced preeclampsia and hypertension, and changes in hormone functioning. Immune dysfunction, such as Asthma, Osteoarthritis, Crohn's & U.C., R.A., Type 1 diabetes, Lupus, and M.S, are also linked to PFAS. PFAA and the Immune System Effects on the immune system are some of the most well-studied health effects of PFAA. (14:51) Multiple lines of evidence support PFAA as immunotoxicants and, more specifically, immunosuppressants at small administered doses in rodents and measured serum concentrations in humans.  Findings of suppressed vaccine response in humans and T cell-dependent antibody response in experimental animals led the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) to classify PFOA and PFOS as presumed immune hazards to humans. In a recent draft toxicological profile, the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) extended this finding to PFHxS and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA), identifying all four compounds as suppressants of antibody response in humans. They are also unregulated greenhouse gasses! Sarah explains that these chemicals are in our environment, all around, which makes them impossible to avoid. Also, there is data showing they can, in fact, be absorbed through the skin, not just when ingested, as many company websites indicate. Additional associations still need further study to identify mechanisms, but dose responses are very damning! Obesity & Diabetes: A Review of Epidemiologic Findings Association with risk of cardiovascular diseases Obesity (dose response) Type 2 diabetes Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Cardiovascular disease Osteoporosis PFAS magnifies metabolic effects of poor diet PFAS Buildup and Our Bodies Even more worrisome, this study showed 100% of breastmilk tested contained PFAS. An analysis of the available breast milk PFAS data from around the world showed that while the phased-out PFOS and PFOA levels have been declining, the detection frequencies of current-use short-chain PFAS have been increasing (with a doubling time of 4.1 years). This is consistent with the idea that they are forever and build-up. So even with using less, we're still seeing a build-up over time. There is a ton of current legislation pending to limit and/or ban PFAS in cosmetics. For listeners who might not know, Stacy is a huge advocate for clean beauty and safer skincare. She works with Beauty Counter to help get safer products into consumer's hands and uses her background in government to lobby for safer beauty standards. With all the safer skincare legislation Stacy has seen in recent years, she decided to research the history of PFAS to see if even more legislation is necessary. It turns out- it is. Sarah has recently gotten into the "Dark History" YouTube series by Bailey Sarian. Episode 1 is on this very topic, "The DuPont Chemical Poisoning."  The film "Dark Waters" (which Sarah just watched with a free Showtime trial) is a not-quite-as-cool Erin Brokovich approach to going into detail.   History: Discovery to Litigation  Stacy runs through a quick timeline: (25:52) 1930 General Motors and DuPont formed Kinetic Chemicals to produce Freon. 1935 Dupont opened "one of the first in-house toxicology facilities" on the advice of a DuPont in-house doctor named George Gehrmann. The facility was meant to thoroughly test all du Pont products as a public health measure to determine the effects of du Pont's finished products on the "health of the ultimate consumer" and that the products "are safe" before going "on the market".  6 April 1938 a 27yo research chemist worked at the DuPont's Laboratory with gases related to DuPont's Freonrefrigerants. When an experiment he was conducting produced an unexpected new product: polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), a saturated fluorocarbon polymer—the "first compound in the family of Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) marketed commercially." It took ten years of research before polytetrafluorethylene (introduced under its trade name Teflon) became known for being "extremely heat-tolerant and stick-resistant." 1950s 3M manufactures PFAS, according to the 2016 lawsuit brought against 3M, 3M had "disposed of PFCs, and PFC-containing waste at a facility is owned and operated in Oakdale, Minnesota (the "Oakdale Facilities")" during the 1950s. It contaminated residential drinking water wells with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals. It later became a city park after extensive cleanup. 1951 "The DuPont chemical plant in Washington, West Virginia, began using PFOA in its manufacturing process." 1954 DuPont received an inquiry about C8's "possible toxicity." 1956 A study at Stanford found that "PFAS binds to proteins in human blood." 1960s DuPont knowingly buries hundreds of drums of C8 on the banks of the Ohio River  1963 The Navy began to work with 3M to develop aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). 1961 A DuPont in-house toxicologist said C8 was toxic and should be "handled with extreme care." 1965 DuPont sent an internal memo describing preliminary studies that showed that even low doses of a related surfactant could increase the size of rats' livers, a classic response to exposure to a poison. 1970s 3M (appears to) discover PFAS accumulate in human blood. 3Ms own experiments on rats and monkeys concluded that PFAS compounds "should be regarded as toxic." 1976 The Toxic Substances Control Act provides EPA with authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. Certain substances generally excluded from TSCA include food, drugs, cosmetics, and pesticides. This list did not disclose any PFAS contaminants. 1983 3M announced their $6 million hazardous waste cleanup from their disposal processes.  1998 "Dark Waters" lawyer, Robert Billott, took a case representing Wilbur Tennant, a W.V. farmer, whose had a herd of cattle decimated by strange symptoms. 1998 The EPA was first alerted to the risks of PFAS—human-made "forever chemicals" that "never break down once released and they build up in our bodies." In a 2000 Times article, the EPA said that they first talked to 3M in 1998 after they were first alerted to 3M's 1998 laboratory rat study in which "male and female rats [received] doses of the chemical and then mated. When a pregnant rat continued to get regular doses of about 3.2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, most of the offspring died within four days."  Summer of 1999 Bilott filed suit. 2000 a study widely detected PFOS in wildlife throughout the world" and that "PFOS is widespread in the environment." They said that "PFOS can bioaccumulate to higher trophic levels of the food chain" and that the "concentrations of PFOS in wildlife are less than those required to cause adverse effects in laboratory animals." 17 May 2000 3M stopped manufacturing "PFOS (perfluorooctanesulphonate)-based flurosurfactants using the electrochemical flouorination process," which is a "class of chemicals known as perfluorochemicals (PFCs). Stacy didn't even get into how the Navy and other public services used them to fight fires and increase environmental fire with Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF). 17 May 2000 3M stops manufacturing Scotchgard because of their "corporate responsibility" to be "environmentally friendly." Their tests proved PFOS, an agent that 3M used in the fabrication of Scotchgard— which lingers in the environment and humans. Barboza said that 3M's "decision to drop Scotchgard" would likely affect DuPont's use of PFOAs in the manufacturing of Teflon. Their testing showed "it does not decompose, it's inert—it's persistent; it's like a rock." August 2000 Bilott discovers PFOA or C8 in DuPont's dumping sites Fall of 2000 Bilott gets access to 110,000 pages of documents dated back to the 1950s of DuPont's "private internal correspondence, medical and health reports and confidential studies conducted by DuPont scientists." March 2001 DuPont settled the lawsuit filed by Billot on behalf of Tennant for an undisclosed sum. Bilott sends a 972-page submission to directors of all relevant regulatory authorities: EPA and US AG demanding "immediate action to regulate PFOA 31 August 2001 Bilott files a class-action suit on behalf of thirteen individuals in the "Leach case." 23 November 2004 The class-action lawsuit settled and "established a court-approved scientific panel to determine what types of ailments likely linked to PFOA exposure." This led to thousands of residents then opting to pursue individual lawsuits after medical monitoring showed harm.  2005-2006 The C8 Health Project undertaken by the C8 Science Panel "surveyed 69,030 individuals" who had "lived, worked, or attended school for ≥ 1 year in one of six contaminated water districts near the plant between 1950 and 3 December 2004." 2006 The EPA brokered a voluntary agreement with DuPont and eight other major companies to phase out PFOS and PFOA in the United States. 2014 The EPA's Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office (FFRRO) developed and published a fact sheet which provided a "summary of the emerging contaminants perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), including physical and chemical properties, environmental and health impacts, existing federal and state guidelines, detection and treatment methods. 2016 The EPA "published a voluntary health advisory for PFOA and PFOS," which warned that "exposure to the chemicals at levels above 70 parts per trillion, total, could be dangerous." 13 February 2017 The 2001 class-action suit that Bilott had filed against DuPont, on behalf of the Parkersburg area residents, resulted in DuPont agreeing to pay $671 million in cash to settle about 3,550 personal injury claims. These claims involved a leak of perfluorooctanoic acid—PFOA or C-8— used to make Teflon in its Parkersburg, West Virginia-based Washington Works facilities. DuPont denied any wrongdoing. Fall 2017 abnormally high levels of PFAS found in Belmont, Michigan, became one of the first places where PFAS contaminations caught the media's attention.[71] Wolverine Worldwide, a footwear company, was said to be the cause due to their use of Scotchgard to "treat shoe leather" and had dumped their waste in that area decades ago. 2017 PFAS are on Canada's 2019 chart of substances prohibited by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) and by Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012. These substances are under these regulations because they are "among the most harmful" and "declared toxic to the environment and/or human health," are "generally persistent and bioaccumulative." The "regulations prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of the toxic substances listed below, and products containing them, with a limited number of exemptions." [72] 10 January 2018 According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), studies in humans with PFAS exposure show certain PFAS may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children, lower a woman's chance of getting pregnant, interfere with the body's natural hormones, increase cholesterol levels, affect the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer." 30 January 2018 three branches of the EPA exchanged chains of emails with OMB, DoD, HHS, and the Pentagon, to put pressure on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It aimed to censor a report that measured the "health effects" of PFAS that are "found in drinking water and household products throughout the United States." An email by an unidentified white house administration forwarded by OMB said that "The public, media, and Congressional reaction to these numbers is going to be huge. The impact to EPA and [the Defense Department] is going to be extremely painful. We (DoD and EPA) cannot seem to get ATSDR to realize the potential public relations nightmare this is going to be."  March 2018 The United States Department of Defense's (DoD) 's report to Congress said the test they conducted showed the amount of PFAS chemicals in water supplies near 126 DoD facilities "exceeded the current safety guidelines." [65] The DoD "used foam containing" PFAS chemicals "in exercises at bases across the country." The DoD, therefore, "risks the biggest liabilities" concerning the use of PFAS chemicals, according to Politico (published May 2018) 21 June 2018 The Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry(ATSDR) 697-page draft report for public comment, "Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls," was finally released. June 2019 Described as a "huge step toward cleaning up the prevalence of and prevent further contamination from PFAS chemicals in-ground, surface and drinking water," the Department of Environmental Services of the state of New Hampshire submitted a "final rulemaking proposal" for new, lower maximum contaminant levels. They then filed a lawsuit against Dupont, 3M, and other companies for their roles in the crisis in drinking water contamination in the United States. The lawsuit claims that the polluted water results from the manufacture and use of perfluorinated chemicals, a group of more than 9,000 compounds collectively known as PFAS.[2] September 2019, Andrew R. Wheeler, EPA Administrator, met with industry lobbyists and said that "Congressional efforts to clean up legacy PFAS pollution in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2020" were "just not workable." Wheeler refuses to "designate PFAS chemicals as "hazardous substances" under the Superfund law." 1 October 2019 A lawsuit filed in the Merrimack County Superior Court by 3M and two others against the state aimed to prevent the new permitted levels for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS from implementation.  4 October 2019 over 100 scientific experts representing many countries "recommended that a group of hazardous chemicals"—"Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts, and PFHxS-related compounds"—be eliminated to better protect human health and the environment from its harmful impacts." 10 March 2020 EPA announced its proposed regulatory determinations for two PFAS in drinking water. In a Federal Register notice, the agency requested public comment on whether it should set maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS in public water systems.  April 2021: Landmark bipartisan legislation proposed to protect all Americans and our environment from harmful forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The package establishes a national drinking water standard for select PFAS chemicals, designates as hazardous to allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up contaminated sites  https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2975 June 2021: No PFAS in Cosmetics Act introduced with bi-partisan support, coinciding with the publication of a study finding over half of cosmetics contain them. One study found toxic 'forever chemicals' widespread in top makeup brands. The act would require the Food And Drug Administration to ban the chemicals' use in such products within 270 days. June 2021 They also reintroduced the Personal Care Product Safety Act, a bill that would take a major step forward to update our laws governing cosmetics. These laws have largely stood unchanged since 1938. [caption id="attachment_45315" align="aligncenter" width="740"]Source: https://www.ewg.org/pfaschemicals/what-are-forever-chemicals.html[/caption] See this link for an even more detailed timeline of PFAS and toxic chemicals.   What Are PFAS In? PFAS functions in many capacities, including surfactants, friction reducers, and water, dirt, and oil repellents. (50:01) As such, they are used in a wide variety of consumer products to confer nonstick (waterproof, greaseproof, and stainproof) and low-friction properties.  Examples of products that contain or coated with PFAS include: Some grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy wrappers  Nonstick cookware  Stain-resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics  Water-resistant clothing  Umbrellas, tents, any fabric that repels water (pet bed covers, some mattresses, shoes, etc.) Cleaning products  Personal care products (shampoo, dental floss) and cosmetics (nail polish, eye makeup)  Paints, varnishes, and sealants Electronics Some industrial glass and plastics PFAS are also used directly or as technical aids (dispersants and emulsifiers) in many industrial applications like metal coatings, lubricants for machinery, membranes, and firefighting foams.  PFAS are used in the synthesis of or as adjuvants in pesticides, in medical procedures and products, and in many other applications. PFAS in Cosmetics The FDA has a voluntary registration program (VCRP) which shows an overall decrease in use (about half from 2019 to 2020).  But their site states- "because registration and product listing are voluntary, this data cannot draw definitive conclusions about the types and amounts of PFAS present in registered cosmetics or to determine which cosmetics may contain PFAS but have not been registered in the VCRP." [caption id="attachment_45319" align="aligncenter" width="740"]Source: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-cosmetics[/caption] The Environment and Water Supply Because of their widespread use, release, and disposal over the decades, PFASs show up virtually everywhere: soil, surface water, the atmosphere, the deep ocean—and even the human body.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site says that the agency has found PFASs in the blood of nearly everyone it has tested for them, "indicating widespread exposure to these PFAS in the U.S. population." Scientists estimated that more than 200 million people—most Americans—have tap water contaminated with a mixture of PFOA and PFOS. These are at concentrations of one part per trillion (ppt) or higher.   Problems with PFOA-Free (PFOS-free, PTFE-free) The most well-studied of these substances, PFOA, and PFOS, have been linked to various health problems. (59:45) Bad press and class-action lawsuits have put pressure on companies to discontinue the use of PFOA and PFOS, but not PFAS as a chemical class. The regulatory bodies have not kept up with the chemical industry either! When some major manufacturers phased out long-chain PFAS, most industries turned to structurally similar replacements. These include hundreds of homologues with fewer fluorinated carbons (short-chain PFAS) or other less well-known PFAS (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkylether-based substances). Producers marked these replacement PFAS as safer alternatives because of their presumed lower toxicity and lower level of bioaccumulation in human blood. However, several lines of evidence suggest that short-chain PFAS are not safer alternatives.  Research demonstrated that short-chain PFAS can be equally environmentally persistent and are even more mobile in the environment and more difficult to remove from drinking water than long-chain PFAS. Bioaccumulation of some short-chain PFAS occurs in humans and animals. For example, fish research suggests they can do more than the long-chain compounds they aim to replace.  Short-chain PFAS also can be more effectively taken up by plants. However, a growing body of evidence suggests they are associated with similar adverse toxicological effects as long-chain PFAS. The ongoing accumulation of persistent chemicals known or potentially hazardous increases human and environmental health risks over an indefinite period. Look for PFAS-free specifically. It's not enough to be PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE-free.   What Can We Do About It? The problem with these chemicals is that there unavoidable. However, we can take steps to protect ourselves. (1:05:01) Make sure the makeup brands you're using test for safety! PFAS and toxic chemicals are the kind of thing someone wouldn't know about unless they checked and tested the product for them. If you shop Beautycounter, use code cleanforall20 for 20% off your purchase. Of course, you can always email Stacy for advice at stacy@realeverything.com! Avoid plastics and coated papers for food storage whenever possible. Also, avoid nonstick cookware or look for ceramic coatings that are PFAS-free, like Le Creuset or Greenpan or silicone liners. Filter your water. Stacy and Sarah love AquaTru, which they talked about in Episode 406. Also, be sure to think about other exposure areas, such as clothing, carpeting, etc. Call Your Representatives! April 13, 2021, House representatives introduced the PFAS Action Act of 2021, a comprehensive 40-page piece of legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take several significant PFAS regulatory actions. Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act (H.R. 2727) is soon to be reintroduced by Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell. Call your representatives to support the proposed environmental justice plan that specifically calls out forever chemicals, tackles PFAS pollution by designating PFAS as a hazardous substance, setting enforceable limits for PFAS in the Safe Drinking Water Act, prioritizing substitutes through procurement, and accelerating toxicity studies and research on PFAS." The new administration could carry out all of these goals unilaterally through executive action without Congress's cooperation. Dan Kildee (MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick are heading the bipartisan PFAS Task Force. They have a LONG list of people in the task force with goals.  No PFAS in Cosmetics Act Personal Care Product Safety Act Natural Cosmetics Act (not updated since introduced in 2019) Also, Stacy encourages you to text Better Beauty to 52886, which will cover these bases.  Support advocacy groups like Environmental Working Group, Toxic-Free Future | Science, Advocacy, Results, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, Earthjustice: Environmental Law: Because the Earth Needs a Good Lawyer | Earthjustice other local groups. EPA says reverse osmosis (but not filters, like Brita, unfortunately) removes PFAS.  Lastly, don't get suckered into PFAS detoxes! Currently, there is no established treatment for PFAS exposure. However, blood levels will decrease over time after a reduction in exposure to PFAS.         

In this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara talks privately about PFAS and what is and is not being done to protect firefighters exposed to toxic substances.Kevin talks about the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act and where the piece of proposed legislation currently rests in Congress, explaining some of the bill's stipulations and what he feels needs to be revised to ensure all military firefighters are protected.As the episode transitions to other topics, Kevin explains how he continues to receive correspondence from current and former military firefighters who state their VA claims are being denied despite their proven exposure to AFFF and PFAS.Kevin asks that the Weekend Wrap-up audience send him an email with their questions, concerns, interest in being on the podcast.  Messages can be sent to contact@afso21.comLinks:Michael Lecik Military Firefighter Protection ActPresumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2021 (House Bill)Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2021 (Senate Bill)Firefighters Denied Coverage by Veterans Affairs After Exposure to PFAS Firefighting FoamU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Statement Regarding the Need Not to Conduct PFAS Blood TestingVista Analytical Laboratory and PFAS TestingIndoor Dust Contains PFAS and Other Toxic ChemicalsGear Treated with 'Forever Chemicals' Poses Risk to FirefightersAFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up is ranked in the Top 15 Fire Protection and Safety Podcasts by Feedspot.AFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionFire Dept. Coffee Veteran owned and run by firefighters, Fire Dept. Coffee offers a wide variety of delicious coffeeAFSO21 Delivering strategic & operational planning fundamentals to emergency services around the worldSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

Today's 'Talking PFAS Feature' (recorded 30/4/2021) is a very open and insightful discussion with Boston Attorney, John Gardella, from CMBG3 Law. If you have any interest at all in PFAS Litigation, you don't want to miss this episode. In this episode we discuss litigation in detail in Michigan, Alaska, and we touch on recent litigation in Sweden. This episode will be of interest to a very broad audience.John says currently 550 lawsuits sit on a docket in South Carolina related to PFAS in AFFF, but there are hundreds of PFAS litigation matters in the US that do not relate to AFFF.John Gardella is a Shareholder at CMBG3 Law in Boston, a law firm specialising in the regulatory, litigation, and compliance aspects of numerous environmental and toxic torts issues. He is a member of the firm’s PFAS Team, which counsels clients on PFAS related issues ranging from state violations to remediation litigation. Mr. Gardella has over 15 years of experience litigating environmental and toxic torts matters, including asbestos, PFAS, benzene, lead paint, mold, talc, hazardous waste and pollution matters.John has written two articles recently for The National Law Review (see show notes for Ep 23) about a recent PFAS suit against a paper mill and associated landfill, that settled for 11.9 million in Michigan and a very recent litigation action filed by the Attorney in Alaska against 30 companies for PFAS contamination of the environment. We discuss these today, see links below. The state is looking to collect costs for any past, current or future costs it has or will need to expense to clean up PFAS. Alaska also seeks triple damages, John explains how this works.John says "CMBG3 Law has handled several PFAS litigation cases but numerous compliance related questions (so a company that has not been sued but is looking to take steps to curb PFAS use, comply with regulations, or needs help figuring out where their risks are). We actually do not represent either DuPont or 3M (the two primary makers of PFAS) so our corporate clients are other manufacturing or industrial companies using PFAS or considering doing so if they cannot find substitutes. In some instances it’s even just landowners who bought (unknowingly) polluted land and use it for things not having anything to do with PFAS."John believes when it comes to regulated drinking water levels in the US 'the writing is clearly on the wall that the EPA does intend to take action when it comes to PFAS'. He says 'it is going to happen' and he believes if it doesn't happen this year (2021) it will happen next year (2022). He says there is no doubt in his mind regarding this.https://www.natlawreview.com/article/pfas-paper-mill-settlement-reflects-growing-trendhttps://www.natlawreview.com/article/alaska-pfas-lawsuit-latest-state-action-pfas*The next Talking PFAS Feature episode will publish on 17/6/2021 - guest will be announced in Talking PFAS News on 14/6/2021.*The next Talking PFAS News episode will publish on 17/5/2021Copyright Kayleen Bell Journalist

In this episode, Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara talks about a Congressional hearing on PFAS that was postponed twice and his opportunity to testify removed.Kevin reads for listeners and viewers, what was supposed to be his opening statements that highlight how the DoD and Air Force continue to pushback on the fact PFAS does have a significant impact on US military servicemembers.  In addition to reciting his testimony, Kevin highlights the DoDs PFAS blood test for active military and DoD civilian firefighters and how the DoD seemingly does not have a plan to deal with elevated levels of PFAS in servicemembers.  Kevin highlights how the DoD continues to release AFFF into the environment, sometimes off the military installation within civilian communities.LinksU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs PFAS Web PageKirtland AFB Firefighters Respond to Albuquerque, New Mexico fireCannon Air Force Base PFAS Permit ViolationsMark Correll, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety, and Infrastructure Comments on PFAS RemediationDoD MTF Guide PFAS Blood Testing of DoD FirefightersASDR Memo Blood Testing for DoD Firefighters to PFASUS Congress House Appropriations Committee ScheduleEWG PFAS Interactive MapAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionFire Dept. Coffee Veteran owned and run by firefighters, Fire Dept. Coffee offers a wide variety of delicious coffeeAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

In this episode, Weekend Wrap-up host, Kevin Ferrara speaks on the importance of Firefighter Suicide Awareness and Prevention.Kevin provides some data on the number of firefighter suicides throughout the United States as well as telephone numbers for individuals to call and talk with trained professionals.Kevin talks about AFFF and PFAS contamination at Goodfellow Air Force base in San Angelo, Texas where the contamination may be a contributor to the constant smell and poor taste of the area's drinking water.In addition to those topics, Kevin shares with listeners audio from a recent structure fire where four firefighters were injured, two receiving serious burns.  Their MAYDAY calls can be heard on the audio which is why Kevin continues to speak about the importance of every firefighter having a radio, at the very least, those operating inside a structure.As the episode wraps-up, Kevin gives a shout-out to several individuals and organizations for their dedicated work in the fire service as well as their personal sacrifices while protecting their communities.Links to topics discussed in the podcast:IAFF Firefighter Suicide Prevention Goodfellow Air Force Base Water Testing (San Angelo Live)The Air Force is Taking Samples From Water wells near Goodfellow Air Force Base (Fox West Texas)Unclassified Goodfellow Air Force Base ReportFirefighter Close calls Maryland Firefighters Mayday RadioHampshire Firefighters Join Hospital's Intensive Care UnitAustralia Fires: Firefighter Loses Own Home While Saving OthersFeedspot Top 15 Fire protection & Safety PodcastsAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionAFSO21 Delivering strategic & operational planning fundamentals to emergency services around the worldSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

In this episode of AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up, host Kevin Ferrara invites former firefighter and cancer warrior Dan Casson back to the show.  Dan talks about his cancer treatments and how he was awarded new ratings pertaining to his cancer.Dan speaks from the heart and soul about how the various forms of cancer his doctors believe are a result of repeated exposure to AFFF and PFAS has taken a toll on him and his family.Dan and Kevin talk about going to Washington to confront Congress as representatives from all states continue to discuss various legislation regarding PFAS and firefighter, military and civilian alike.Later in the episode, host Kevin Ferrara highlights a few pieces of legislation currently introduced in Congress and the status of each.  As more cases of firefighters enduring cancer are being reported, it's shocking to hear Kevin state various pieces of legislation regarding PFAS that was introduced has been sitting somewhat idle for over a year.Links to legislation host, Kevin Ferrara discusses.H.R. 535 - PFAS Action Act of 2019H.R. 2102 - VET PFAS ActS. 1105 - PFAS Registry Act of 2019H.R. 1174 - Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2019Fire Near Miss ProgramAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionFire Dept. Coffee Veteran owned and run by firefighters, Fire Dept. Coffee offers a wide variety of delicious coffeeAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

In this episode, host Kevin Ferrara talks to listeners about firefighters at Edwards Air Force Base in California training with high expansion foam (HEF) during an exercise involving an aircraft hangar.  The HEF foam contains hazardous chemicals similar to AFFF yet, firefighters were unnecessarily exposed to toxic foam who likely believed the material was safe thereby why they were lacking proper PPE.Kevin provides his opinion about how leaders in the fire service seemingly enable exposures like that at Edwards Air Force Base and other military and civilian locations to occur without accountability.  Kevin also speaks about previous incidents involving AFFF at active and former military installations where firefighting foam has contaminated local communities and to date, no clean-up has occurred.Link to OSHA Hazard Classification Guidance for Manufacturers, Importers, and Employers: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3844.pdfEdwards Air Force Base Hangar Search & Rescue Exercise: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/762455/edwards-afb-firefighters-conduct-search-and-rescue-training-during-foam-testAdditional video of exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV3uClQK4wg&fbclid=IwAR14scX4vnBEDsdwfNZZnzxnN5bVTUz2Y9gsSiH8Y-3XiY7jUkkV9wvmXA8 Link to the AFSO21 Web site: http://www.afso21.comAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

In this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara talks with military veteran and former firefighter Vince Davis.  Vince is a leader and mentor in the fire service that many look to for guidance and encouragement.  Vince is an outspoken individual that says what he thinks and means what he says.  Not afraid to speak about the ongoing AFFF issues plaguing the fire service and the military, Vince has voiced his concerns that AFSO21 echo.Listeners will hear from Vince regarding his exposure to AFFF and PFAS and how his recent blood test has affected his life.Vince gives advice to firefighters on what they need to do to stay healthy and why stating on top of their medical care is important.Here are some links Vince speaks about throughout the podcast:US Military Firefighter's Cancer Information Exchangehttps://www.facebook.com/US-Military-Firefighters-Cancer-Information-Exchange-740142489474441Retired Air Force Fire Officershttps://www.facebook.com/groups/208134052591708Department of Defense (federal) Firefightershttps://www.facebook.com/groups/dodfederalfirefightersDoD Fire and Emergency Serviceshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/DoDFireUSAF Firefightershttps://www.facebook.com/groups/45926182141AFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

In this episode, AFSO21 Radio, The Weekend Wrap-up host Kevin Ferrara talks with military veteran and former firefighter Dan Casson.  Dan submitted several claims for VA disability and was finally successful in receiving a 100% rating due to his cancer that his doctors and the VA attributed to his exposure to AFFF and firefighting while in the military.Listeners will hear from Dan how exposure to AFFF and his battle with numerous forms of cancer has affected not just himself, but his family.Dan talks about how his battle is like a military mission where you "don't quit" and why it's important to keep seeking answers.We'll be following up with Dan later to see how he is doing as he begins his second fight against cancer.AFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

In this episode, host Kevin Ferrara is seeking military firefighters who have stories to share with the No Defense documentary filmmakers who are working on a new project highlighting the impact AFFF and PFAs have on individuals.  This is an opportunity to share with the world, the significance AFFF has had on end-users who for the longest time, simply wanted answers as to why they or their family members are/were sick.If you are interested in sharing your AFFF story, please email Kevin your contact information and a brief description of your story to: contact@afso21.comIn other news, host Kevin Ferrara talks about the hazards associated with artificial turf used in many high school sports fields.  These fields have been found to contain PFAS due to the unrecyclable materials used in the products.In the United Kingdom, Kevin learned there are increased concerns with PFAS in food packaging.  Kevin learned that of the 20 samples tested, 95% tested positive for PFAS.  This is of great concern for consumers who simply may not be aware of the products their food is stored in has the potential of contaminating their food.As the episode closes, host, Kevin Ferrara talks about how 3M, a giant in the manufacturing industry using PFAS, has joined a New Hampshire utility company in an ongoing legal case.  Listeners will hear how 3M is underwriting the legal fees for the utility company despite what some consider is an ethical conflict of interest.Links to topics discussed in this episode:PFAS in Playing Fields: https://www.fosters.com/news/20200613/citizens-group-says-test-shows-pfas-in-phs-athletic-fieldNo Defense Documentary: https://www.nodefensedoc.com/UK Food Packaging PFAS Concerns: https://chemtrust.org/pfas-food-packaging-uk/3M Underwriting Legal Fees: https://news.bloomberglaw.com/pfas-project/pfas-maker-3m-pays-utilitys-legal-fees-in-state-regulatory-fightAFFF Manufacturers Congressional Testimony: https://www.minnpost.com/national/2019/09/3m-grilled-over-pfas-chemicals-at-congressional-hearing/AFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

In this episode, host Kevin Ferrara recaps listeners with what panelists during the PFAS Discussion Panel spoke about as the continue their work with each other, environmental groups and of course Congress.Host Kevin Ferrara explained Congress is currently looking at four topic areas consisting of:Increasing funding for clean-up operationsMoratorium on AFFF incinerationPhase out of non-essential uses of PFASPFAS Blood Testing &PFAS RegistryAdditionally, PFAS Discussion Panelists Diane and Paul Cotter spoke about continuing research of PPE that contains PFAS and has a significant impact on wearers. Panelist  Steve Kjonaas spoke about where we as a fire service community or even a society overall want regarding PFAS to include regulation.As the podcast wraps up, host Kevin Ferrara speaks briefly about another location in the United States that is affected by AFFF contamination containing PFAS, Newcastle Air National Guard Base in Delaware where PFAS levels were recorded at 18,140 parts per trillion (ppt), over 259 times the EPAs Lifetime Health Advisory limit of 70 ppt.Links discussed during this Podcast and PFAS Discussion Panel:AFSO21 Website about PFAS: http://www.afso21.com/pfasAFSO21 PFAS Discussion Panel Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=349861839324683EWG PFAS Interactive Map: https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/map/Dark Waters, Fight Forever Chemicals: http:www.fightforeverchemicals.comYour Turnout Gear and PFOA: http://www.yourturnoutgearsandpfoa.comCongressional PFAS Task: https://dankildee.house.gov/congressional-pfas-task-forceAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)

In this episode, AFOS21 Radio Host Kevin Ferrara updates listeners about the ongoing situation at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa and the 60,000 gallons of firefighting agent that was released, contaminating not only the base but the local community.  Kevin then reaches out to listeners, encouraging them to contact their Congressional leaders and ask they move H.R 2195 and S. 1105 otherwise know as the PFAS Registry Act of 2019 forward so those who have been exposed to AFFF and or PFAS can begin to have information collected and shared on a routine basis.Wrapping up this episode, Kevin talks about how PFAS being incinerated at low temperatures poses a risk of "acid rain" that can potentially contaminate drinking water sources.Link to legislation discussed in this episode: www.afso21.com/pfasAFSO21 Your leadership, management, and fire protection and emergency services consulting solutionSupport the show (https://afso21.com/podcast)