An Oscoda Resident is headed to Washington DC this week to talk about the need to take action on PFAs contamination.
PFAs, or perfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of chemicals that have been found across the state, including in Oscoda, and are linked to health problems including cancer.
Tony Spaniola has property in Oscoda and has been asked to speak in front of the National Academy of Sciences. He said he believes he’s the only non-scientist that has been asked to speak.
“And I think that we really help to remind the scientific community that there is a reason for what they are doing,” he said. “The fundamental reason is to protect human beings, particularly children and those who are the most vulnerable, and also the environment.”
Spaniola said scientists need to listen to impacted communities.
“People on the ground bring a wisdom to this that is missing,” Spaniola said. “It’s the wisdom of experience because we have to deal with these contaminants on a day to day basis. It impacts our lives in many ways.”
Earlier this month, Spaniola was part of a press conference put on by the Need Our Water group which called for the Air Force to conduct clean up efforts of PFAs in Oscoda. In Oscoda, the former Wurtsmith Air Force base is the primary source of PFAs contaminants in the local water.
Spaniola is set to appear on a panel called “understanding PFAs exposure.”
The workshop is intended to educate scientists on efforts to control and prevent PFAs exposure.