In recent years, there has been growing concern about the toxic effects of PFAS. These chemicals, found in everyday items such as nonstick pans, packaged foods, and rainproof clothing, have been called "forever chemicals" because they persist for an exceptionally long time in our environment and bodies. PFAS contamination is of great concern for our health as it is associated with everything from cancer to developmental delays.
One way students can become engaged is through community outreach. Though adult scientists typically lead large research efforts, students have demonstrated they can participate in real-world research as well. For instance, students at UMBC (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) collaborated with their local community in order to test water from the Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant. Their objective, which they succeeded in, was to inform their community about PFAS levels in their water.
Another aspect of community outreach is collaboration with advocacy groups. Organizations such as the Youth Activism Project give high school students the tools to take up causes such as PFAS contamination. These organizations do this by helping students write to local officials, teaching them better communication skills, and connecting them to a larger community.
While larger-scale projects like the one taken up by students at UMBC may not always be possible for high school students, students can still take action in other ways, such as in school. A popular medium to do this is through school clubs. Students could spread the word about where PFAS are found, how they affect human health, and things that humans can do to avoid them.