PFAS Updates 2021

Andrew has reported on the science of chemical risk management and regulation for over a decade. In addition to writing news articles on the latest developments, he moderates events, contributes to the podcast, and provides analysis of key topics, including mixture effects, NAMs, nanomaterials, PFAS, and test method validation.

Cristina de Avila is Head of the Sustainable Chemicals Unit of the European Commission’s Environment Directorate-General, where she has been in charge of drafting the Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, currently focusing on its implementation.

Martijn is now responsible for the co-ordination of PFAS related restriction proposals at DG Grow. Previously he was project manager for the REACH PFAS restriction dossier in the Netherlands. From 2001, Martijn was involved in the Dutch national and international chemical policy - initially at the Ministry and later within the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

After working in industry as a project manager for the synthesis of products on pilot scale, he joined the Federal Office for Chemicals, the German Competent Authority for REACH, CLP and Biocides. As a scientific officer covering both substance evaluation and regulatory risk management measures under REACH, his work is currently focussed on restriction processes. Carl joined the PFAS restriction work as co-coordinator for the German CA at the beginning of 2021.

Ronald has been working for over 20 years in the field of international chemical and pharmaceutical regulations. Over the last 12 years, Ronald has been liaising with key stakeholders around the world to communicate on issues related to the regulation of fluorinated compounds. Since 2017, Ronald has chaired the Fluoropolymer Group of Plastics Europe, an organization representing Europe’s leading fluoropolymer producers and experts, committed to promoting innovation, safe use, and sustainable manufacturing and stewardship across the industry for all their products. Ronald recently joined AGC Chemicals Europe, a major Japanese fluoropolymer manufacturer as Senior Advocacy & Regulatory Manager.

Experienced leader in developing corporate responsibility and product sustainability strategies that drive long range planning into tangible actions with measurable results. In-depth understanding of non-profit board governance and strategy planning, employee volunteerism, grantmaking and cause-marketing. Straight-forward, easy going coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit and a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude.

Rainer is a Professor at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography; he has a degree in Chemical Engineering and Doctorate in Environmental Science.  He is Director of the URI-led Superfund Research Program Center on the Sources, Transport, Exposure and Effects of PFAS (STEEP). His research focuses on the detection, fate and transport of anthropogenic pollutants in the environment, often relying on passive samplers in the process.

Elodie practices environmental, health, and safety (EHS) law, focusing on polluted sites and health risks associated with chemicals, food, nanotechnology, and consumer products, as well liability issues. Her experience covers various EHS regulatory and litigation matters. She has developed specific experience in REACH and other EU chemicals regulation (CLP, biocides, FCM) and regularly advises French, EU, and international private entities on REACH registrations and authorizations, compliance checks, substance evaluation, classification and labelling issues, and enforcement procedures.

Xenia Trier has a background in analytical chemistry and physics, and since 2006 on analyses and science-policy on PFAS, including a Ph.D. on PFAS in paper and board food contact materials. Before re-joining University of Copenhagen in 2022, she worked at the European Environment Agency on chemicals, supporting the development and implementation of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the PFAS and mixture strategies.

Industry expert and technical advisor for water repellent textile finishes at the textile chemicals producer Rudolf GmbH, Luka has worked for more than 7 years in the field, advising customers and partners regarding product selection, application set-up and legal requirements. He knows the technical scopes and limitations of C6 fluorinated and PFAS-free solutions in depth and works with enthusiastic industry partners on new sustainable product solutions.

Technology Development & IP Protection, providing input and leadership to R&D, Engineering and Sustainability Depts

The Cookware Company have changed the way people cook when we introduced the world to healthy ceramic nonstick in 2007. Since then, we’ve redefined nonstick, refined our processes, and revolutionized the cookware industry. In 2007, we introduced the world to GreenPan™ with Thermolon nonstick - the original healthy ceramic alternative. Instead of plastic, our coating starts with sand. Thermolon™ is the first alternative to traditional nonstick coatings, the first plastic-free nonstick, and the first nonstick coating made without PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. In less than 15 years, we’ve become the leader in healthy nonstick cooking. We’re proud of the things we don’t put in our 24mio pans per year.

Terry has spent more than 15 years as a reporter, editor and digital news team leader providing information for legal and regulatory professionals across a variety of topics, including health care, clean energy and climate change, occupational health and toxic substances. He joined Chemical Watch News & Insight in 2020.

As VP of ACC’s CPTD division, Rob is responsible for managing ACC’s more than 100 self-funded chemical product and sector groups. Rob has had a variety of roles during his time at ACC, including responsibility for state, federal and international legislative and regulatory affairs on environmental, health, safety and energy issues. Rob has provided his expertise on PFAS chemistries to numerous state, federal and international legislative and regulatory bodies to help inform public policy.

Richard E. Engler, Ph.D. is Director of Chemistry with Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. and The Acta Group.  Dr. Engler is a 17-year veteran of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is one of the most widely recognized experts in the field of green chemistry, having served as senior staff scientist in EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) and leader of EPA's Green Chemistry Programme. 

Anna Reade is a Staff Scientist with the Health and Food Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Anna works at the intersection of science and policy to reduce and eliminate harmful exposures to toxic chemicals for the safety of people and the environment. As NRDC's lead scientist on PFAS, she conducts research, develops innovative scientific tools and freely available resources to support wider understanding and communication of PFAS science. She also brings the most current scientific principles and data to guide NRDC's PFAS policy work. Prior to joining NRDC, she worked in the California State Senate as a Policy Fellow with the California Council on Science and Technology. She received her PhD in developmental biology from the University of California, San Francisco, where she was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.

Dr. Prueitt is an expert in toxicology, human genetics, carcinogenesis, and human health risk assessment. At Gradient, her primary responsibilities include evaluating toxicology and epidemiology data for regulatory comment, human health risk assessment, and litigation projects. Before joining Gradient, Dr. Prueitt worked as a research scientist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where she designed and interpreted multi-species proteomic studies related to tumor biology and biomarker discovery. As a postdoctoral fellow at the National Cancer Institute’s Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Dr. Prueitt performed genomic and molecular epidemiologic studies of human cancer risk and progression. As a pre-doctoral student, she investigated genetic causes of human diseases using various molecular genetic techniques. Dr. Prueitt has authored many peer-reviewed articles in the fields of toxicology, genetics, and carcinogenesis.

Jonathan Gledhill is the President of Policy Navigation Group. He has advised trade associations and Fortune 100 clients on regulatory policy issues for over ten years. Prior to founding Policy Navigation Group, Mr. Gledhill worked at The EOP Group in Washington, DC. Prior to The EOP Group, Mr. Gledhill worked in the Natural Resources Branch of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for over four years reviewing regulatory, policy, and economic issues. Mr. Gledhill was the primary analyst for all hazardous and solid waste regulations and policies for OMB. Other issue areas included Superfund, the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, housing standards, and underground injection regulation. Mr. Gledhill was recognized and awarded for outstanding professional achievement each year of his employment at OMB.

Karl Palmer leads DTSC’s Safer Consumer Products Program and is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing California’s Safer Consumer Products regulations. Karl’s team also implements DTSC’s other toxics in products laws and supports green chemistry initiatives throughout California.  

Lola Flores has been with the Washington State Department of Ecology for six years. During that time, she has participated in the development of state policies to help reduce toxic pollution in the environment and protect human health. As the Supervisor of the Reduction Toxic Threats Unit in the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program, Lola oversees compliance for laws such as the Children’s Safe Products Act, Better Brakes, Toxics in Packaging, Safer Products for Washington among other regulations. She has a background in Biology and Natural Resource Management and a Master of Environmental Studies. Originally from Mexico, she has been a Washington resident for over 13 years. Lola is active in her community serving on several local community boards and land trusts. She is also a Commissioner for the State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, where she intersects her expertise in pollution prevention and her passion for environmental justice.

Bastien holds masters’ degrees in European Affairs and Political Economy of Europe from Sciences Po and the London School of Economics. He specialised in EU energy and climate policy, and more recently in the hydrogen sector. He joined Hydrogen Europe in 2020 and now he coordinates a new working group on PFAS and their use across the hydrogen value chain. Amongst other dossiers, Bastien also works on the EU carbon market reform (ETS, ETD, CBAM, ESR).

Kathryn (Katie) Skaggs is an expert in the regulation of food contact materials in a host of jurisdictions including the U.S., EU, South America (particularly the MERCOSUR bloc), Canada, China, eastern Asia, India, the Middle East (GCC), Australia, and New Zealand.

Jeff Dawson is the Science Adviser in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In this role he assists with the development and implementation of risk-based approaches for the evaluation of new and existing industrial chemicals and pesticides. He is also responsible for PFAS coordination and homeland security policy. He has 25 years of public service as a scientist in OCSPP, including holding positions as the Acting Director of OPPT’s Risk Assessment Division and the Deputy Director of OPP’s Health Effects Division.

Stephanie Griffin has worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics since 2016. As a member of the Data Collection Branch, she provides regulatory support for information collection activities under the Toxic Substances Control Act and for the Toxics Release Inventory program. Prior to joining the EPA, she was a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer and has worked for both private industry and environmental organizations.