DEADLINE: IJNR Virtual PFAS Workshop for Journalists

Event Date:

January 8, 2021

January 27+28, 2021

11am - 4:30pm (Eastern)

The Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources announces an online workshop for journalists that will explore the environmental history and human health impact of the class of chemicals known as PFAS.

PFAS are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals – including PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many more – used in everything from coatings on cookware to fire retardant clothing to non-stick food packaging. They are also nearly indestructible, move easily into the environment and are absorbed by all manner of living creatures – including humans. Manufactured and used in a variety of industries around the globe since the 1940s, PFAS have emerged as a serious environmental health concern in recent years due to their serious health impact on humans and animals.

Over the course of this two-day workshop, journalists will hear from experts across the country who have worked to better understand the impact of these “forever chemicals,” track their movement through the environment and human bodies, and rein in their use. Participants will have the chance to hear from some of the public health officials, scientists and resource managers tasked with tackling this problem. They will also hear the stories of community activists who have been impacted by chemical toxicity directly. We’ll dive into the many ways that PFAS chemicals have been used in military, manufacturing and life-protection activities, and how those uses have led to their proliferation in community drinking water and food – leading to an estimated 99 percent of Americans having measurable levels of PFAS in their blood.

Participants in the workshop will engage directly with experts, citizens, business leaders, scientists and veteran reporters of the PFAS beat to get up to speed on this complex issue.

Application period closes at 5pm (Eastern) on ~~Wednesday, January 6, 2021~~ extended to Jan 8.

Applicants must submit a resume, clip and brief statement of interest via Submittable.

We will select 24 applicants. We will choose applicants in an effort to create a diverse cohort, with considerations including geography, outlet, race, gender, experience, and journalistic medium.

We will reserve 50 percent of workshop spots for journalists of color.

Registration is free. Accepted journalists will be sent a registration link.