“Forever Chemicals” in the Spotlight: FoodPrint’s New Report and Podcast Reveal Alarming PFAS Impact on Food System

FoodPrint’s latest investigative report and accompanying podcast episode have cast a glaring spotlight on the pervasive and alarming impact of PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on the food system. Focusing on the crisis unfolding in Maine, the report titled “The FoodPrint of PFAS” delves into the far reaching consequences these chemicals have on farmers, public health, and the environment.

PFAS, known for their enduring presence in the environment, have been detected in over 50 farms in Maine, as per FoodPrint’s investigation. Jerusha Klemperer, Director of FoodPrint, shared insights from frontline farmers grappling with PFAS contamination. These synthetic chemicals, characterized by resilient carbon fluorine bonds, are widely used in various industrial applications, including oil and gas extraction, electronics manufacturing, and as coatings in cookware, fabrics, and takeout containers.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences highlights the ubiquitous nature of PFAS exposure, ranging from drinking water to everyday household products. Crucially, the FoodPrint report underscores the route of these chemicals into the food chain—via contaminated water and soil in agricultural settings.

Klemperer raises the alarm about the widespread use of PFAS, particularly in products like fertilizers and firefighting foams, leading to dangerously high levels in soils and water. This not only poses a threat to consumers but also significantly impacts farmers who face direct, daily exposure. The report and podcast reveal that farmers in Maine affected by PFAS contamination have recorded alarmingly high blood PFAS levels.

Despite the grim findings, the report concludes on a hopeful note, advocating for federal and state interventions to mitigate the impact of PFAS on health and the environment. These include measures to limit PFAS spread and collaborative efforts between scientists and farmers to decontaminate affected farmlands.

Since the first detection of PFAS on Maine farms in 2016, there have been concerted efforts to address the crisis. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has enhanced its resources and information for farmers. Additionally, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and the Maine Farmland Trust have established a PFAS emergency relief fund, offering financial aid, mental health support, and assistance with farm infrastructure.

At the national level, Maine’s congressional delegation has introduced legislation aimed at providing financial support to affected farms, free blood monitoring for farmers, and funding for PFAS remediation research.

FoodPrint’s investigation into Maine’s situation is seen as a critical indicator of a national issue. Klemperer emphasizes the urgent need for testing, remediation, and the elimination of PFAS from future production to safeguard public health and the environment.