Medspectives

Author: Arvind Rajan

Medspectives is a series featuring conversations with health professionals from diverse backgrounds around the world, with the goal of understanding their unique viewpoints in social topics, common issues they see in the field, and anecdotes that have defined their career life. Medspectives is currently dedicated to covering the viewpoints and opinions of healthcare workers around the world in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the struggles they are facing. Hosted by Arvind Rajan.
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Language: en

Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine

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PFAS - The Harmful "Forever Chemical" in Our Every Day Lives, with Dr. Jamie DeWitt, Toxicologist.
Episode 37
Monday, 25 October, 2021

Today we're joined by one of my past professors, Dr. Jamie Dewitt, a toxicologist who has a focus on a particular group of environmental contaminants called PFAS. Consisting of more than 5,000 substances, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are found in all kinds of commercial products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof jackets, firefighting foams, food packaging, and more. However, studies have shown that PFAS is considered a "forever chemical" meaning it can take thousands of years to breakdown. This can cause it to buildup in the body, and there are studies that show that these substances are associated with reproductive harm, developmental effects, increased risk of certain cancers, and decreased immune function. Dr. DeWitt's research focuses on studying the effects of PFAS on the immune system. Dr. DeWitt also has extensive experience in increasing public awareness about PFAS. She's testified to Congress multiple times, and she even provided guidance in the creation of the PFAS episode of the John Oliver's Last Week Tonight. Dr. DeWitt truly is an expert in the field, and she talks about the fascinating history of PFAS, what it's like to testify in front of Congress as a scientist, and what we can do on an individual level to address PFAS contamination. You can find more information about PFAS and what you can do to stay safe here: https://pfas-exchange.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/medspectives/message