Understanding PFAS with Tribal voices: URI STEEP hosting webinar on PFAS on Cape Cod

KINGSTON, R.I. — Oct. 1, 2025 — The University of Rhode Island’s STEEP Superfund Research Program is hosting the fourth installment of its 2025 webinar series to help Cape Cod residents and other communities better understand and respond to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination, or PFAS. STEEP—Sources, Transport, Exposure & Effects of PFAS—is a URI-led science effort to address the ubiquitous human health impacts of PFAS in our everyday lives. PFAS on Cape Cod – Connecting Communities with Science for Solutions, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15, noon to 1 p.m. “Understanding PFAS Together: Tribal Voices and Risk Communication” will spotlight collaboration between the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and STEEP researchers, focusing on culturally grounded communication and meaningful community engagement to address PFAS risks while honoring Tribal traditions.

The Oct.15 webinar also features Jason Steiding of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

To register, please visit the event’s website.

The one-hour webinar will feature Jason Steiding, natural resources director and eagle clan member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, with STEEP’s Emily Diamond, associate professor of communication studies and marine affairs at URI, and Laurel Schaider, senior scientist at Silent Spring Institute, who will moderate the discussion.

“Partnership with Tribal leaders is essential to creating meaningful community engagement and clear risk communication,” said Diamond. “Through activities such as fish and shellfish testing, community surveys, and youth programs, STEEP is working with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to balance traditional practices with efforts to reduce PFAS exposure. This webinar will share strategies developed through this collaboration and offer examples of how culturally grounded communication can inform decisions about health and cultural heritage.”

Laurel Schaider, of the Silent Spring Institute, will moderate the discussion.

This webinar series is part of STEEP’s broader commitment to informing Cape Cod communities through community engagement, to connect residents with PFAS research and support locally driven solutions. Designed for Cape Cod residents, health professionals, policymakers, and Tribal members, these free one-hour sessions pair the latest research with community voices and a live Q&A. Each installment spotlights local data on water, fish, and household exposures while offering guidance relevant to any community nationwide facing PFAS contamination.

Recordings of the first three webinars, on household exposures, PFAS in water and fish, and community health concerns, are available on the STEEP website.

PFAS

PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals often added to nonstick, stain-resistant, and waterproof consumer products such as carpets and upholstery, rain jackets, cookware, food packaging, and even dental floss. They are also found in some firefighting foams used at military bases, airports, and fire training areas. Often known as “forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence, exposure to PFAS has been linked to a wide range of health issues.

Cape Cod’s shallow sand and gravel aquifer, the sole source of drinking water for 700,000 year-round and summer residents, is vulnerable to contamination from septic systems, runoff, landfills, and other pollution sources. PFAS have been found in public water supplies across the U.S. and throughout Cape Cod.

Visit URI’s STEEP website for more information.

This press release was written by Amber Neville, with the URI Coastal Institute.