PFAS- Toxic for Eternity: The High Cost of Forever Chemicals (Live & Via Zoom)

You are invited to join Southeast Michigan Mensa for the program "PFAS — Toxic for Eternity: The High Cost of Forever Chemicals" — presented via Zoom at 7 p.m. (Eastern) on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.

Toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS are now flowing through the blood of nearly every human on the planet. Invented in the 1950s, these man-made synthetic substances were designed to resist water, heat, and grease. While they revolutionized manufacturing — coating our non-stick pans, in textiles, paper products, and firefighting foams — they came with a devastating cost to humanity.

Because PFAS do not break down, they accumulate relentlessly inside the environment and our bodies. They have infiltrated our water, our food, our clothes, and our homes, posing a direct and persistent threat to human health.

Come and hear the full story of how these chemicals impact our lives and communities from attorney Tony Spaniola, a leading national PFAS expert and community advocate.

Tony Spaniola, an activist in PFAS issues since 2016, has worked to catalyze action on the local, state, and federal levels to address these harmful "forever chemicals." He's played a critical role in the adoption of numerous key PFAS policies, including the first-ever national PFAS drinking water standards in 2024. He co-founded and co-chairs the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, and he serves on the Leadership Team of the National PFAS Contamination Coalition. He has presented at the White House Water Summit, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He has been featured in various media outlets, including ABC News, PBS News, CNBC, and USA Today, and in the critically acclaimed PFAS film documentary, No Defence: The U.S. Military's War On Water.

Tony graduated from Harvard University and the University of Michigan Law School. He is a member of the American and Michigan Bar Associations and also served as a Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the State of Michigan.

If you are able to attend the live presentation, you'll have the opportunity to mingle with your fellow Mensans and guests at our usual location:

Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church in Southfield
23925 Northwestern Highway
Southfield, MI 48075

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern). The program begins at 7 p.m. (Eastern).

Ticket prices for the in-person program:

• Adult Members – $5 or buy a strip of 4 tickets for $15
• Guests – $7
• Children 12 & under: $2

Members receive free admission in the month of their birthday!

Following the presentation, please join us for dinner at:

Buddy's Pizza
31646 Northwestern Highway
Farmington Hills, MI 38334

Each attendee is responsible for paying for their own food purchases.

If you can't join us in person, we welcome you to join us virtually! The Zoom room opens at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern) for mingling.

All Zoom attendees need to pre-register by clicking the link here: tinyurl.com/SEMM-Gathering

• Fill in your name and email address
• Click the "Register" button

There is no charge for the Zoom presentation, but, due to rising costs (Meetup charges alone were up 70% during the past year!), your donation via PayPal is greatly appreciated. To donate:

• Click PayPal.com
• Log in (or sign up)
• Click the "Send/Request" button
• Enter the e-mail address: treasurer@mensadetroit.com
• Click the "Next" button
• Enter payment amount ($5 is recommended, but feel free to send any amount)
• Fill "What's this for" with "SEMM Zoom Presentations"
• Click the "Next" button
• Select your payment method
• Click "Send" If you're attending live,

For more information, contact Harley at MensaDetroit@gmail.com or check out MensaDetroit.org.