Presenters

Keynote: Linda Birnbaum, PhD

When a Pesticide is a PFAS…

Linda S. Birnbaum, Scientist Emeritus, is Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program. She is also a Scholar in Residence in the Nicholas School of the Environment of Duke University. Dr. Birnbaum is a recipient of more than 100 awards, and author of more than 1,000 publications. Prior to becoming NIEHS Director, she was in charge of US EPA’s largest health research division.

See Dr. Linda Birnbaum’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

Dr. Birnbaum will discuss what PFAS are, why they are problematic, and the problems with pesticides that are PFAS

Pilot Study Assessing the Co-Occurence of Pesticides and PFAS in Agricultural Watersheds

Emily Woodward, PhD

Research Scientist, US Geological Survey

See Dr. Emily Woodward’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

This talk will summarize a recent USGS study focused on the potential co-occurrence of pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at surface water sites in California that are dominated by agricultural inputs. Pilot samples were collected at ten sites that are representative of agriculture land use, various crop types, and diverse pesticide applications. Water samples were collected in May and July of 2024 during target pesticide applications. Surface water results from both sampling efforts will be presented.

Forever Pesticides and their Forever Implications: Environmental Presence and Implications

Alexis Temkin, PhD

Senior Toxicologist, Environmental Working Group

See Dr. Alexis Temkin’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

In collaboration with colleagues (Center for Biological Diversity, PEER, and EWG), Dr. Temkin co-authored a paper recently published in Environmental Health Perspectives on the presence of PFAS in pesticides, and the implications for public health and policy. This talk will focus on the presence of these chemicals, as well as their degradation products, primarily the ultra-short chain PFAS trifluoroacetic acid, or TFA, in the environment, including water and food.

Land Use Associations and Sources of PFAS in Smallmouth Bass in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Vicki Blazer, PhD

Research Fishery Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey

See Dr. Vicki Blazer’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

Based on her significant recently accepted paper, Dr. Blazer will cover the land cover/landuse associations, what USGS saw regarding PFAS in smallmouth bass in the Chesapeake Watershed, discuss potential sources, and some associations they are seeing with effects.

PFAS Contamination in Human Blood

Ana Maria Rule, PhD

Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and its Director, Environmental Exposure Assessment Labs

See Dr. Ana Rule’s video presentation | powerpoint presentation

As principal investigator of the study, Dr. Rule will share preliminary findings of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health-Md. Pesticide Education Network pilot study to assess PFAS in the blood of Maryland residents.

State of the Bay Update

Greg Allen, PhD

Sr. Environmental Scientist, Chesapeake Bay Program, Co-faciliator, Pesticides and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Research and Data Gaps Working Group, and Conference Moderator

See Dr. Greg Allen’s video presentation 

Dr. Allen will report on the Chesapeake Bay Program in 2025.