Devil's urine. That's what Dupont employees called PFAS. These toxic, human made forever chemicals are now in the blood of almost every human on the planet. They are found in drinking water around the world, even Antarctica. And they are used in a broad range of consumer products, like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, waterproof items, dental floss, and even medical masks. These are only a few examples of many.

This group of toxic chemicals, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), permanently concentrates in your body and the environment. You can't get rid of them. In fact, they bioaccumulate, meaning they get worse and worse. The public awareness from uncovering of the truth behind Dupont’s misdeeds now contaminating much of the planet is tantamount to this generation’s Silent Spring.

Our guest Rob Bilott is very much a Rachel Carson sort of figure who has stood up to the chemical industry as the lead attorney to bring light to the dangers of PFAS and its many variations. He fought and won a 20+ year battle against Dupont for the poisoning of over 70,000 people in West Virginia and Ohio. His work was even captured in the 2019 feature film, Dark Waters where he was portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. 

Rob has continued his groundbreaking work and is looking at the potential of a nationwide class action lawsuit as newer versions of PFAS emerge, unregulated and as dangerous as ever. 

In this interview from Summer 2022, we explore the history of PFAS, what exposure means, where it can be found, and what we can do.

Rob Bilott is a partner in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky offices of the law firm, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP [https://www.taftlaw.com/people/robert-a-bilott], where he has practiced in the Environmental and Litigation Groups for over 31 years. During that time, Rob has handled and led some of the most novel and complex cases in the country involving damage from exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), including the first individual, class action, mass tort, and multi-district litigation proceedings concerning the toxic chemical, recovering over $1 billion for impacted clients. 

In 2017, Rob received the Right Livelihood Award, known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” for his decades of work on behalf of those injured by PFAS chemical contamination.  Rob is the author of the book, “Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer’s Twenty-Year Battle Against DuPont,” [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Exposure/Robert-Bilott/9781501172823]
and his story is the inspiration for the 2019 motion picture, “Dark Waters,” starring Mark Ruffalo. Rob’s story and work is also featured in the documentary, “The Devil We Know.”  

Jessica Aldridge, Co-Host and Producer of EcoJustice Radio, is an environmental educator, community organizer, and 15-year waste industry leader. She is a co-founder of SoCal 350, organizer for ReusableLA, and founded Adventures in Waste. She is a former professor of Recycling and Resource Management at Santa Monica College, and an award recipient of the international 2021 Women in Sustainability Leadership and the 2016 inaugural Waste360, 40 Under 40.

Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/
Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/
Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio

Guest: Rob Bilott
Host and Producer: Jessica Aldridge
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Executive Producer: Jack Eidt
Created by: Mark and JP Morris

Exposing PFAS: Global Contamination & One Lawyer’s Battle For Justice

This week on Green Street, Patti and Doug talk about the surprising toxicity of homes of Los Angeles due to the recent fires, and the decades of delay for people in Chicago waiting to get rid of lead pipes. Then former EPA Regional Administrator and Beyond Plastics founder Judith Enck talks about the recent battle in New York State over legislation to reduce the amount of plastic in product packaging.  

The Battle Over Plastic with Judith Enck of Beyond Plastics

There is a toxic “forever chemical” found in our water, clothing, cookware—and even our blood. In this episode, I break down where it’s hiding, how it harms your health, and simple steps you can take to limit exposure without falling for gimmicks. 

#399 Is This Chemical Killing Us!

This week on Green Street, Patti and Doug talk about a proposed new law in Louisiana prohibiting people living in Cancer Alley from participating in “citizen science" by collecting their own air samples using inexpensive air monitors, and the publication of a new international study confirming the carcinogenicity of the popular pesticide glyphosate (“Round-Up”). Then author, climate scientist, biologist, and biosphere expert Dr. Tyler Volk talks about the tiny molecules that are actually causing all of our climate trouble. 

The Tiny Blocks of Climate Change with Dr. Tyler Volk

Clean Earth has submitted an application to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to conduct a two-week pilot thermal desorption treatment of 5,000 tons of PFAS-Contaminated soil at their Ft. Edwards facility. While described as a research project, none of the staff of Clean Earth have sufficient scientific credentials for such a study. Angela Pressley, Ph.D., of The Fort Stops PFAS, speaks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the conerns of local residents about this project.

Residents Oppose Burning of PFAS Soil in Ft. Edwards

How PFAS From A Military Base Has Sickened Nearby Residents

In our latest episode, partner Tanya C. Nesbitt interviews Dr. Jen Wollenberg of Integral Consulting, a leading U.S. science, engineering, and environmental consulting firm, about an emergent contaminant: microplastics. From our tap water and food to consumer products and even the air we breathe, tiny plastic particles have made their way into nearly every corner of our world—and our bodies. Tanya and Dr. Wollenberg examine the science, sources, regulatory landscape, and what the growing presence of microplastics might mean for the manufacturing and consumer goods industries. As the science evolves and public awareness grows, microplastics are increasingly becoming a focal point for litigation, product liability, environmental compliance, and sustainability disclosure. The discussion examines what companies should be thinking about now to stay ahead of the curve as regulatory pressures mount.

Environmental L..A.W.S. - Pollution You Can't See - 7.2025

This week on Green Street, Patti and Doug talk about how painting roofs white can significantly reduce urban heat, and a new study showing that chemicals from tires are ending up in almost all of our lettuce and other parts of our food supply. Then Dr. Kyla Bennett, Science Policy Director for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)  talks about the fate of humans in a world challenged by climate change, plastic pollution, and chemical toxins. Her conclusion: everything has to change! 

Everything Has to Change with Dr. Kyla Bennett of PEER.org

This week on Green Street, Patti and Doug talk about the fight over banning a pesticide proven to negatively impact the brains of developing babies, a new firefighting foam made from soybeans that can replace hazardous PFAS-laden products, and the collapse of the UN worldwide plastic treaty, thanks in large part to the United States. Then Patti talks about all the decisions parents have to make as their kids head back to school. From school supplies and backpacks to lunchboxes and snacks to the clothes they wear, avoiding plastic as kids head back to school is a daunting task. Tune in and find out what you can do!

Back to School Special

This week on Green Street, Patti and Doug talk about chemical lobbyists inside the EPA gutting regulations on PFAS, how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been ordered by the administration to quickly approve new nuclear power plants, and a new study showing that males are more impacted by exposure to some PFAS chemicals than females. Then Dr. Silvia Calbo Aroca talks about her new book, “Playing with the Invisible: The secrets to raising healthy kids in a world of technology.

The Invisible Threat with Dr. Silvia Aroca

Science, technology, and other cool stuff from public radio's Science Friday. It's brain fun, for curious people. From WNYC Studios.

The Earn That Body Podcast is here to give you fitness, nutrition and health information you can put into play right away.

Hudson Mohawk Magazine is a local volunteer-produced news hour that provides sanctuary for the discussion of a wide range of topics, scaling from the global to the hyper-local. The show is broadcasted from The Sanctuary for Independent Media on WOOC 105.3 FM.

Thanks to listeners like you, the Sanctuary is able to use art and participatory action to promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression.

Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The 
American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. Thompson Hine has distinguished itself in all areas of Service Delivery Innovation in the BTI Brand Elite, where it has been recognized as one of the top 4 firms for “Value for the Dollar” and “Commitment to Help” and among the top 5 firms “making changes to improve the client experience.” The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTH® – a smarter way to work –  predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more 
information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

EcoJustice Radio presents environmental and climate stories from a social justice frame, featuring voices not necessarily heard on mainstream media.

Our purpose is to amplify community voices, broaden the reach of grassroots-based movements, and inspire action. We investigate solutions for social, environmental, and climate issues with an eye to advance human health, steward wild landscapes, and solve the climate crisis across the USA and the world.

Featured weekly on KPFK Los Angeles and KPFT Houston, and found on all major podcast apps. We are nationally syndicated through the Pacifica Network and PRX and heard on public radio stations across the US and downloaded in over 25 countries.

Co-hosts Jack Eidt, Carry Kim, and Jessica Aldridge present a broad range of perspectives: land defenders and water protectors; Indigenous leaders, front/fenceline community spokespeople; youth organizers; ecosystem and land stewards; regenerative farmers and permaculture specialists; spiritual and faith leaders; environmental health advocates and practitioners; documentary filmmakers; climate scientists; and political decision makers.

EcoJustice Radio [http://EcoJusticeRadio.org] is produced by SoCal350.org since 2017. 

Tune in live to KPFK Radio Thursdays from 4 to 5 PM (PT) at 90.7 FM Los Angeles, 98.7 FM Santa Barbara, 93.7 FM North San Diego, 99.5 FM Ridgecrest-China Lake, or KPFK.org. 

We also are featured on KPFT Houston from 4 to 5 PM (CT) at 90.1 FM or KPFT.org and other public radio stations on the Pacifica Network.

Green Street is a science-based environmental health program hosted by Patti and Doug Wood. Each week, we bring you news and information you need to know and practical solutions for navigating an unhealthy world.

New tracks tagged #PFAS