NC BREATHE Report Outlines Action on PFAS, Extreme Heat, and Mental Health

PRESS RELEASE (Durham, N.C.) — CleanAIRE NC released a report today summarizing the key findings and recommendations from the 2024 NC BREATHE Conference. The report emphasizes the importance of community engagement, collaborative partnerships, and policy action to address critical environmental health issues.

The full report is available here >> Read the Report!

The 2024 NC BREATHE Conference brought together experts, community leaders, policymakers, and individuals to explore evidence-based solutions to challenges such as PFAS contamination, the increasing threat of extreme heat, and the interconnectedness of environmental and mental health. The report provides an overview of the discussions and offers actionable recommendations for creating healthier and more resilient communities. 

“The NC BREATHE Conference provided a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration on some of the most pressing environmental health issues facing our state,” said Emily Wolfe, Health Program Manager for CleanAIRE NC. “This report provides a roadmap for moving forward, ensuring that the conversations started at the conference translate into meaningful action.”

The report’s recommendations include actionable strategies to:

• Increase public awareness on the prevalence and dangers of PFAS contamination.
• Mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat events.
• Address the mental health impacts of climate change and air pollution.

The report will be shared with leading North Carolina policymakers, health professionals, and community groups for their consideration. 

The ninth annual NC BREATHE conference was held on October 1 – 2, 2024 at the JB Duke Hotel in Durham, NC. This year’s theme was “It Takes A Village — Advancing Environmental Health & Human Well-Being.” Ken Cook (Environmental Working Group), Fmr. Secretary Elizabeth Biser (NC Department of Environmental Quality), and Harold Mitchell Jr. (The ReGenesis Institute) were keynote speakers.

The 2024 NC BREATHE conference was co-sponsored by Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, the Duke University School of Medicine, the Duke University Environmental Health Scholars Program, Rural Beacon Initiative, the North Carolina PFAS Testing Network, AirBox, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Defense Fund, WUNC, Climate Power, Southern Environmental Law Center, the North Carolina Black Alliance, the Environmental Justice Community Action Network, Self-Help Credit Union, Piercing Sun Consulting, and Fred and Alice Stanback. 

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CleanAIRE NC is a statewide nonprofit organization advocating for the health of all North Carolinians by pursuing equitable and collaborative solutions that address climate change and air pollution. www.cleanAIREnc.org