Addressing Communication Challenges

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products due to their heat and oil-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including links to cancer, immune suppression, and developmental issues, make PFAS contamination a significant public health concern. Despite growing awareness among scientists and policymakers, the public remains largely uninformed about where PFAS exist in everyday life and how to minimize exposure.

To address this communication gap, PFAS Kitchen was developed as an interactive augmented reality (AR) experience aimed at educating the public about the hidden presence of PFAS in household items. This collaboration between the Digital Writing Environments, Location, and Localization (DWELL) Lab and the Sources, Transport, Exposure & Effects of PFAS (STEEP) Superfund Research Program at the University of Rhode Island employs cutting-edge digital communication strategies to make complex scientific information more accessible and engaging.

Target Audience

The PFAS Kitchen project is designed to reach a broad audience, including:

• General consumers who may unknowingly purchase PFAS-containing products.
• Parents and caregivers seeking safer alternatives for their households.
• Educators and students interested in environmental health and sustainability.
• Public health advocates and policymakers working on PFAS regulation and remediation. Bymaking the educational experience accessible via mobile devices on both iOS and Android,

PFAS Kitchen ensures that scientific literacy about PFAS is not limited to those with prior knowledge but is available to anyone with a smartphone or tablet.

Goals and Strategies

The overarching goal of PFAS Kitchen is to transform how people understand and engage with the issue of PFAS contamination by using immersive technology to enhance public awareness and action. The specific objectives and strategies include:

1. Raising Awareness: Educate the public about the widespread presence of PFAS in everydayhousehold products, such as nonstick cookware, cleaning supplies, and food packaging.
2. Providing Safer Alternatives: Equip individuals with practical knowledge to make informed choicesabout PFAS-free alternatives.
3. Leveraging Emerging Technologies: Utilize AR to create an engaging and interactive user experience that surpasses traditional text-based informational campaigns.
4. Encouraging Behavior Change: Motivate users to adopt healthier consumer habits by visually demonstrating PFAS exposure risks and actionable solutions.

Implementation and Design Approach

PFAS Kitchen employs an integrated design approach that seamlessly blends narrative storytelling, scientific research, and interactive media. The experience is built using Adobe Aero, a platform that allows users to engage with AR content through a smartphone or tablet. When users launch the PFAS Kitchen application, they are transported into a virtual kitchen setting where they can explore various household objects. By tapping on these objects, users reveal informative posters and pop- ups explaining PFAS risks, common sources, and recommended alternatives.

This design choice was intentional: rather than presenting information through passive reading or traditional infographics, PFAS Kitchen immerses users in an interactive environment, making the experience more engaging and memorable.

Effectiveness and Impact

Although recently launched, PFAS Kitchen has already demonstrated significant public engagement andeducational value. It has been shared on our lab website and social media, as well as on the STEEP projectwebsite and newsletter. At the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography’s ScienceSaturday event, the project attracted over 2,000 attendees, including hundreds of children and families. The interactive nature of the project proved highly effective in sparking curiosity and prompting discussions about environmental health, especially among younger audiences.

Beyond in-person exhibitions, PFAS Kitchen is designed for continued scalability and dissemination. Because it is accessible via mobile devices, it can be used in classrooms, public healthcampaigns, and community outreach initiatives without requiring specialized equipment or training. By bridging the gap between environmental science and public engagement, the project extends beyond academic circles, influencing real-world consumer behavior and policy discussions.

Contribution to Environmental Communication

The PFAS Kitchen project aligns with key judging criteria for the Environmental Communications Awards by demonstrating:

1. An Innovative Approach to Messaging and Branding: Rather than relying on static brochuresor fact sheets, PFAS Kitchen leverages AR to create an immersive learning experience. Thisinnovative approach ensures that users actively engage with and retain critical information aboutPFAS exposure.
2. Future Value to Environmental Science and Public Health: The project provides a replicable model for using AR in environmental communication, paving the way for similar applicationsin other areas of public health and sustainability.
3. Creativity and Clarity in Messaging: By designing an intuitive, interactive experience that alignsscientific content with everyday contexts, PFAS Kitchen makes complex environmental issuescomprehensible and actionable for non-experts.
4. Effectiveness in Achieving Desired Outcomes: Early feedback and public reception indicate thatusers leave the experience more informed about PFAS risks and more likely to adopt safer consumer choices.
5. An Integrated Design Approach: The project successfully blends narrative, technology, and scientific research into a cohesive and impactful communication tool.