Toxics and Environmental Health

We live in relationship not just with our Creator but also with the earth. And we rely on a healthy environment to sustain us. We should therefor work to prevent environmental hazards, including pollution and exposure to toxic chemicals. Of special concern is the more than 80,000 chemicals that are used in the United States that haven't been adequately tested for their effects on human health. These chemicals are found in everyday items including cookware, furniture, skincare products, toys and food. To help educate religious communities about PFAS, NRPE developed a discussion guide to be used with faith groups after viewing the film Dark Waters. In addition, 25 faith groups joined together to urge EPA to list PFAS as a toxic chemical.

Plastic Pollution

Each each up to 12 billon tons of plastic trash end up in God's ocean. Not only is this degrading ocean and marine life but it has a negative impact on human health. It is estimated that nearly 270,000 tons of plastic is floating in God's ocean. As plastics break down into "micro plastics" they make their way into our drinking water and impact human health.

Toxic Drinking Water

PFAS is a class of nearly 5,000 chemicals that are used in consumer products such as nonstick cookware, food packaging and waterproof clothing. Firefighting foam used by the military also contains two types of PFAS — perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These chemicals, which take a long time to break down in the environment and leave the body if consumed, are now linked to multiple health problems such as birth defects, thyroid issues and some cancers. For millions of people the primary exposure to PFAS is through their drinking water. Despite the health risks of PFAS, the Environmental Protection Agency is not currently regulating PFAS.

Dark Waters Screening Events

Faith groups are invited to watch "Dark Waters," a film that documents the story of Rob Billott, a corporate lawyer and Catholic, who uncovers a chemical company's coverup of PFAS and its impacts on a rural West Virginia town. By using a downloadable discussion guide, groups can discuss the faith, environmental justice and toxic chemicals.