Washington, DC (February 20, 2026) — The air we breathe and the products we use contain dangerous petrochemicals derived from oil, gas and coal. These chemicals – such as formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, and PFAS forever chemicals – are linked to cancers, birth defects, dementias, and other harms.
“PLASTICS ON OUR MINDS AND IN OUR BRAINS: The new science of petrochemical dangers and strategies for safeguarding our children’s health” will examine the harms from chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and even our food supply. Leading scientists, doctors, and community leaders will address the effects on everyday people as well as the elevated dangers to those living near petrochemical industry buildout. Children’s developing brains and bodies are especially vulnerable.
The summit will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 9:30 am to 12 pm, at the National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, Washington, DC. It will also be livestreamed. Register here to receive livestream information.
The event will kick off with a screening of the trailer for Dr. Shanna Swan’s “The Plastic Detox,” the Netflix documentary premiering in March. The film tells the story of six couples experiencing unexplained infertility — they reduce their petrochemical exposures to see if it might help.
The summit will address such themes as the Plastics Playbook and use of deceptive practices borrowed from Big Tobacco, the link between hazardous air pollution and diseases of the brain, the dangerous chemicals found in cosmetics and other personal care products we use in and on our bodies, and the human health harms from every step of the plastics supply chain, including microplastics. The program will feature civic champions from Louisiana and West Virginia, who will share stories from living at the fenceline of giant petrochemical corporations.
Confirmed speakers include: Mariah Blake, the investigative journalist and author on PFAS, the deadly chemicals that last forever; Dr. David Michaels, the George Washington University epidemiologist and former OSHA Administrator; Dr. Ray Dorsey, the esteemed neurologist who leads Parkinson’s Disease research and care; Dr. Jasmine McDonald, the distinguished Columbia University professor who specializes in cell biology, public health and cancer; Cynthia Palmer, senior analyst for petrochemicals at Moms Clean Air Force; Robert Taylor and Tish Taylor, the father-daughter environmental-justice team leading Concerned Citizens of St. John, based in Reserve, Louisiana; Amanda Rowoldt, the Ohio Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force; Martec Washington, the prominent Charleston, West Virginia activist who is running for Mayor, and Lani Wean, the West Virginia Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force. Find a full list of speakers here.
For more information, please contact DKC News at [email protected].