The EPA, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) kicked off the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)鈥檚 Workshop on Federal Government Human Health Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Research. Aggressively addressing PFAS has been an active and ongoing priority for this Administration. This collaborative workshop will help to further coordinate PFAS research across the federal government and is an important part of EPA鈥檚 work under its PFAS Action Plan.
鈥淓PA is committed to working with our federal partners and leading scientists around the world to advance cutting-edge research on PFAS,鈥� said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. 鈥淎ggressively addressing these chemicals of concern is one of my top priorities and this workshop will help our scientists showcase the depth of the research across the federal government.鈥�
鈥淭his independent review by the National Academies is an important step to leverage the extensive work ongoing across federal entities and will help determine what further research needs to be conducted in order for us to most effectively continue our PFAS response.聽As the Chair of DoD鈥檚 PFAS Task Force, I will tell you that DoD鈥檚 participation in this workshop is part of the Department鈥檚 commitment to ensure the health and safety of our men and women in uniform, their families, and the communities in which we serve,鈥澛爏aid Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Jordan Gillis.
鈥淯SDA supports measures that foster healthy, viable, and sustainable agricultural farming practices,鈥澛爏aid Deputy Under Secretary for USDA鈥檚 Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area Dr. Scott Hutchins. 鈥淭his multi-agency collaboration and coordination is a critical step in finding workable solutions for our nation鈥檚 farmers.鈥�
鈥淪imilar to other agencies within the federal family, understanding the health effects of exposures to PFAS continues to be a priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR),鈥澛爏aid Director of CDC and Administrator of ATSDR Robert R. Redfield, MD.聽鈥淭his virtual workshop with the National Academies is a welcomed opportunity to discuss and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on this topic.鈥�