Will Mark Ruffalo Become The PFAS Erin Brockovich?
In the fight against drinking water contamination, water systems and consumers can often use all the help they can get. As communities in North Carolina wrestle with elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so-called “forever chemicals” found in water across the country and linked to devastating health effects, that has come in the form of some star power.
“Actor Mark Ruffalo is shining a spotlight on North Carolina communities struggling with contamination from ‘forever chemicals,’” according to The News & Observer. “In visits to Wilmington, Pittsboro and Raleigh … Ruffalo is working with local environmental groups to highlight the human impact of [PFAS].”
Ruffalo has taken interest in the drinking water issue after starring in the film “Dark Waters,” which chronicles Ohio-based attorney Rob Bilott’s real-life battle with DuPont over PFAS contamination in West Virginia.
The actor’s star-studded activism is reminiscent of another drinking water contamination fight with a Hollywood angle. Ever since Julia Roberts played her on the silver screen, public advocate Erin Brockovich’s battles against drinking water contamination have received extra media attention as well.
And, during his tour of North Carolina at least, it appears Ruffalo’s celebrity is having a positive impact in the fight against PFAS contamination. During a packed panel presentation at a local venue, he pointed to a row of young cancer survivors to highlight the health impacts of PFAS consumption.
“They understand the importance of this,” Ruffalo said, per WHQR. “They’re the ones we have to think about. They’re the ones I implore Chemours, DuPont, and the state legislature to think about. Because they are your kids too…”
To read more about how drinking water utilities are working to combat PFAS, visit Water Online’s Drinking Water Contaminant Removal Solutions Center.