DeepSummary
This episode of the Start Here podcast discusses the issue of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals used in firefighting foams by the U.S. military and their potential health and environmental impacts. ABC's Senior Washington Reporter Devin Dwyer investigates how these 'forever chemicals' have contaminated groundwater and drinking water supplies around military bases, posing risks of cancer and other illnesses to nearby communities.
The episode highlights the case of Oscoda, Michigan, considered ground zero for PFAS contamination from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Resident Tony Spaniola describes finding foam containing the chemicals in local water bodies and the toll it has taken on the community's health. After years of studying the issue, the Pentagon has started taking steps to address it, such as finding alternatives to PFAS-containing foams and containing the migration of existing contamination.
While the scope of the cleanup is daunting and will likely cost hundreds of billions of dollars, there is hope that recent EPA regulations and a change in attitude within the military will lead to more significant action. The episode examines the difficult balance between the need for effective firefighting during emergencies and the long-term health risks posed by the chemicals used.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- PFAS 'forever chemicals' used in military firefighting foams have contaminated groundwater and drinking water near many U.S. military bases, posing health risks to nearby communities.
- The small town of Oscoda, Michigan, near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, has been considered ground zero for PFAS contamination, with residents reporting health issues and foam visibly present in local water bodies.
- After years of studying the issue, the Pentagon has started taking steps to address PFAS contamination, including developing PFAS-free firefighting foams and efforts to contain the spread of existing contamination.
- The scope of the cleanup effort is massive, likely costing hundreds of billions of dollars, and the Pentagon has faced criticism for its slow response and lack of urgency in addressing the issue.
- While the need for effective firefighting during emergencies is recognized, the long-term health risks posed by PFAS chemicals have led to a shift in attitude within the military and increased pressure from Congress and the EPA to take more significant action.
- Finding a balance between protecting military personnel and nearby communities from contamination while maintaining effective firefighting capabilities is a complex challenge that the military is grappling with.
- Recent EPA regulations and a change in attitude within the Pentagon have raised hopes for more significant action on PFAS cleanup, but affected communities remain wary after years of inaction and broken promises.
- The scale of the PFAS contamination issue highlights the need for careful consideration of the long-term environmental and health impacts of chemicals used in military and industrial applications.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “It's highly toxic. You so toxic, you shouldn't even touch it.“ by Tony Spaniola
- “We trusted DoD and initially believed its promise to implement a proactive PFAS game plan. That trust was seriously misplaced.“ by Tony Spaniola
- “We recognize the frustration. We are equipping the communities with technical assistance.“ by Brendan Owens
- “Things that we can do immediately in the near term, not wait three, four years for more data to come in to help us design a program to then make an intervention, things that we can do right now.“ by Brendan Owens
- “Typically, this takes something like 15 to 30 years, though. So this represents really a tremendous achievement.“ by Kim Spangler
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Episode Information
Start Here
ABC News
5/27/24