Brownstone Pittsboro, NC Supper Club, Sept. 15th: Jane Hoppin

Brownstone Institute Supper Club, Pittsboro, NC

Forest Hall at Chatham Mills

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 @ 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

$48 includes full meal and non-alcohol drinks, cash bar available

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jane Hoppin, international expert on “forever chemicals” like PFAS and the principal investigator on the GenX Exposure Study involving Pittsboro residents.

About the Talk

What are the health consequences of long term PFAS exposure?

PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are persistent environmental contaminants (aka forever chemicals) that have historically been found at high levels in drinking water throughout the Cape Fear River Basin, including Pittsboro. Health risks associated with PFAS include reduced immune response to vaccines, thyroid disruption, elevated cholesterol, pregnancy complications, and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers.

 While residents of the Wilmington area have some unique PFAS exposures as a result of chemical manufacturing near Fayetteville, people throughout the Basin have been impacted by historic and current use of these chemicals in textile and furniture manufacturing, airports and fire stations, and land application of biosolids containing PFAS. PFAS levels of Pittsboro residents are higher than the US population. While efforts to reduce PFAS in drinking water have resulted in lower blood levels of these chemicals, the potential for long term health effects remain.

This talk will include an overview of the GenX Exposure Study’s PFAS research in the Cape Fear River Basin, what we are learning about potential health impacts, and how people can engage with their health care providers about this issue. Jane will also discuss emerging issues around PFAS including ultrashort chain chemicals. This talk hits very close to home and is an exceptional opportunity to understand the threats to our water supply, what can be done to protect our health and to ask nuanced questions to a local expert.  

About the Speaker 

Jane Hoppin, ScD, is a professor of environmental epidemiology at NC State University whose work focuses on understanding the impact of chemical exposures on communities. Historically, her work has focused on environmental and occupational pesticide exposure in both the US and in Costa Rica. Since 2017, she has been the Principal Investigator of the GenX Exposure Study, a prospective study investigating the impact of PFAS chemicals in communities throughout the Cape Fear River Basin, including Pittsboro. Through this work, she interacts with community members, community organizations focusing on environmental issues, and local and state health departments.

 In 2022, in recognition of this work, she received the Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service which recognizes and rewards “sustained, distinguished, and superb achievement in university public service and outreach, and contributions to improve the quality of life of the citizens of North Carolina” from the UNC Board of Governors. 

Jane is an international expert in the health effects of PFAS. In 2021-2022, she served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Panel which published, “Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up.” Additionally, she was part of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) committee that evaluated PFOA and PFOS for carcinogenicity in 2023.

Venue & Details

Forest Hall at Chatham Mills, 480 Hillsboro Street, Suite 530, Pittsboro, NC

Forest Hall is located in a historic label mill built in the early 1900s, the venue has wooden floors, exposed brick walls and large windows. The 3500 square foot hall is located on 32 acres of woods and meadows in historic downtown Pittsboro, NC- just 20 minutes away from Chapel Hill and 40 minutes from Raleigh or Durham.  Catering is provided by 39 West Catering.   

Ticket Information 

$48 per person includes a lovely buffet style dinner and non-alcohol drinks. Cash bar available.  Secure your spot now!