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Two years after the EPA found high levels of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination in the drinking water at the K-12 tribal school on the Leech Lake Reservation, students and staff are still forced to consume only water brought in from outside the building. Leech Lake is one place tribes are having to respond to the presence of PFAS, a class of man-made chemicals used in fire suppressing foam, water repellents on textiles, and older nonstick cookware. High PFAS exposure is connected to some health problems including cancer and thyroid disease. Nearly 100% of Americans have PFAS in their body. Information specific to Native Americans is limited. We’ll talk with some tribes that are trying to address PFAS in their water and explore what can be done.
GUESTS
Laurie Harper (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), director of education for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Michael Jacobs (Waccamaw Siouan Tribe), Chief of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe
Fred Corey, natural resources assistant for the Mi’kmaq Nation
Dr. Kimberly Garrett, environmental health toxicologist at Northeastern University
Break 1 Music: The Opening (song) Chuck Copenace (artist) Oshki Manitou (album)
I’m sorry I missed the opportunity to call into the show.
I wish to mention important news that could give people hope.
I urge people to look up the subject “Bioremediation,” which is using biological organisms of nature to break down pollutants. Certain fungi and bacteria have been found to breakdown PFAS chemicals! Sprays or other methods could be developed for bioremediation of PFAS-polluted lands and water!
Bioremediation also offers solutions for breaking down plastic waste, nuclear waste, and chemical and oil spills
Bioremediation is a relatively new field that ought to be encouraged at colleges and universities to bring research and development and graduates in this field.
I believe it could become a popular environmentalism major for students.