Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:
PFAS 101: Navigating the World of Forever Chemicals


This presentation originally took place on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 in Columbia, Missouri
You’ve probably heard the term “PFAS” by now, but what exactly are they? And do you say it “pee-fuhs” or “pee-fahs?” Check out this presentation from Dr. Erin Pulster, lead analytical chemist for the PFAS laboratory at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) to build your foundational knowledge on PFAs.
Dr. Pulster's presentation is aimed at providing the community with basic information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”. Here is what you can look forward to learning:
- What are PFAS? An overview of these chemicals and their unique properties.
- Where are PFAS used? Discover the wide range of applications from everyday consumer products to industrial uses.
- How are we exposed to PFAS? Understand the sources of contamination in our environment.
- Health and Safety Implications: Learn about potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure and what it means for you and your family.
- Current Regulatory Status: Learn what key actions and initiatives our government is taking to help reduce exposures and protect environmental and human health.
- Community Action: Find out how you can reduce your exposure, advocate for clean water, and stricter regulations on PFAS.
Meet Your Presenter

Erin L. Pulster
, PhD, U.S. Geological Survey
Dr. Pulster is an environmental chemist specializing in acute and chronic anthropogenic contamination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. As the lead analytical chemist for the PFAS laboratory at CERC, she develops extraction and analytical methodologies for various matrices. Her recent research focuses on the fate and effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment, including their levels in seafood and the associated human health risks to inform resource managers.
Throughout her career, Dr. Pulster has worked on various projects assessing environmental contamination from chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, toxaphene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Her studies span diverse matrices—air, water, sediment, passive samplers, and biota—enabling the evaluation of sublethal impacts and potential environmental and human health risks. Utilizing a One Health approach, Dr. Pulster’s work is critical in enhancing our understanding of environmental contaminants and their effects on ecosystems and human health.
Related Presentations
Resources & Links
For more information on this topic, check out these resources:
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | Missouri Department of Natural Resources
- Testing for PFAS | PFAS and Your Health | ATSDR
- Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS | US EPA
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
- Comprehensive Research on PFAS Exposomics and Risk Assessment | U.S. Geological Survey
- Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Integrated Science Team | U.S. Geological Survey
- PFAS — Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
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