BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P3D REFRESH-INTERVAL:P3D CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260622T220000Z DTEND:20260623T000000Z X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:PFAS Community Screening & Discussion DESCRIPTION:Understanding "Forever Chemicals" and Protecting Our Drinking Water \n\n\n\nJoin us for a free community screening and discussion about PFAS\, commonly known as "forever chemicals." These synthetic chemicals have been used in thousands of products since the 1940s and are now found in drinking water supplies\, soil\, wildlife\, and even human bloodstreams across the United States.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe evening will feature a screening of the documentary: Contaminated: The Carpet Industry's Toxic Legacy The film explores the environmental and public health impacts of PFAS contamination\, particularly in communities affected by the carpet manufacturing industry. Following the screening\, community members will have an opportunity to learn more about PFAS\, recent developments in federal drinking water regulations\, and ways to participate in upcoming public hearings regarding proposed changes to PFAS protections.\n\n\n\nWhat Are PFAS? PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made chemicals designed to resist water\, grease\, oil\, and stains. Because they do not easily break down in the environment\, they are often called "forever chemicals." PFAS can be found in:\n\n* Nonstick cookware\n\n* Waterproof clothing\n\n* Food packaging\n\n* Carpets and upholstery\n\n* Cosmetics and personal care products\n\n* Firefighting foams\n\n\n\nResearch has linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds to health concerns including immune system effects\, developmental impacts\, increased cholesterol levels\, and increased risks for certain cancers. Learn About Upcoming Public Participation Opportunities Attendees will receive information about an upcoming virtual public hearing concerning proposed PFAS drinking water regulations.\n\n\n\nVirtual Public Hearing: July 7\, 2026\n\nPublic Comment Opportunities: 11:00 AM 7:00 PM\n\n\n\nCitizens are encouraged to learn about the proposed regulatory changes and participate in the public comment process.Register for the Public Hearing Event registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-hearing-for-proposed-regulations-related-to-pfas-in-drinking-water-tickets-1988851418130\n\n\n\nLearn More About the Proposed Rule Changes: https://www.selc.org/press-release/epa-proposes-to-gut-limits-on-toxic-pfas-in-drinking-water-abandoning-communities-across-the-country/\n\n\n\nWho Should Attend?\n\n* Residents concerned about drinking water quality\n\n* Environmental advocates\n\n* Public health professionals\n\n* Students and educators\n\n* Community leaders\n\n* Anyone interested in learning more about PFAS contamination and environmental policy\n\n\n\nAdmission Free and open to the public.\n\nHosted By:\n\n* Athens Land Trust\n\n* Coalition of Athens Scientists\n\n* Southern Sustainability Institute\n\n\n\nFor more information: info@sosuin.org X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:Understanding "\;Forever Chemicals"\; and Protecting Our Drinking Water
\n
\nJoin us for a free community screening and discussion about PFAS\, commonly known as "\;forever chemicals."\; These synthetic chemicals have been used in thousands of products since the 1940s and are now found in drinking water supplies\, soil\, wildlife\, and even human bloodstreams across the United States.
\n
\n
\nThe evening will feature a screening of the documentary: Contaminated: The Carpet Industry'\;s Toxic Legacy The film explores the environmental and public health impacts of PFAS contamination\, particularly in communities affected by the carpet manufacturing industry. Following the screening\, community members will have an opportunity to learn more about PFAS\, recent developments in federal drinking water regulations\, and ways to participate in upcoming public hearings regarding proposed changes to PFAS protections.
\n
\nWhat Are PFAS? PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made chemicals designed to resist water\, grease\, oil\, and stains. Because they do not easily break down in the environment\, they are often called "\;forever chemicals."\; PFAS can be found in:
\n* Nonstick cookware
\n* Waterproof clothing
\n* Food packaging
\n* Carpets and upholstery
\n* Cosmetics and personal care products
\n* Firefighting foams
\n
\nResearch has linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds to health concerns including immune system effects\, developmental impacts\, increased cholesterol levels\, and increased risks for certain cancers. Learn About Upcoming Public Participation Opportunities Attendees will receive information about an upcoming virtual public hearing concerning proposed PFAS drinking water regulations.
\n
\nVirtual Public Hearing: July 7\, 2026
\nPublic Comment Opportunities: 11:00 AM &ndash\; 7:00 PM
\n
\nCitizens are encouraged to learn about the proposed regulatory changes and participate in the public comment process.Register for the Public Hearing Event registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-hearing-for-proposed-regulations-related-to-pfas-in-drinking-water-tickets-1988851418130
\n
\nLearn More About the Proposed Rule Changes: https://www.selc.org/press-release/epa-proposes-to-gut-limits-on-toxic-pfas-in-drinking-water-abandoning-communities-across-the-country/
\n
\nWho Should Attend?
\n* Residents concerned about drinking water quality
\n* Environmental advocates
\n* Public health professionals
\n* Students and educators
\n* Community leaders
\n* Anyone interested in learning more about PFAS contamination and environmental policy
\n
\nAdmission Free and open to the public.
\nHosted By:
\n* Athens Land Trust
\n* Coalition of Athens Scientists
\n* Southern Sustainability Institute
\n
\nFor more information: info@sosuin.org LOCATION:Athens-Clarke County Library Auditorium UID:e.1940.172312 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260609T223337Z URL:https://business.athensga.com/events/details/pfas-community-screening-discussion-172312 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR