Preliminary research shows some crops, like potatoes and squash, could be safely grown on a contaminated farm, while others, like lettuce and carrots, appear to absorb and store forever chemicals.
PFAS
Ban on pesticides with PFAS feeds concern about unintended impacts
Some Maine farmers, including some of its 300 certified organic farmers, worry they soon won’t be able to defend their crops from pests, said Julie Ann Smith of the Maine Farm Bureau.
More than 1,000 Maine sites identified so far for testing of PFAS contamination
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection said in a report to a legislative committee that testing of an increasing number of sites likely will continue beyond a 2025 deadline.
PFAS levels in livestock can diminish if contamination source removed, state officials say
Research has found that once a contamination source is removed from a farm, PFAS levels in livestock will drop to the point that products derived from the animals can be sold to consumers, officials said at a public forum last week.
Initial round of PFAS testing of groundwater finds about 75% of Maine sites within safe levels
The state last year tested more than 1,600 private wells seen as high-priority sites, and inspectors this year will test hundreds more for groundwater contamination.
New research lab could give Maine an edge in fight against PFAS contamination chemicals
The University of Maine plans to create a lab to support research that could help farmers with contaminated soils and crops.
Several central Maine farmers among those honored for speaking out against PFAS contamination
The farmers who received the Paul Birdsall Award from Maine Farmland Trust have been impacted by PFAS contamination and have spoken publicly about their experiences and advocated for more financial support for fellow farmers.
Spurred by regulators, 3M to phase out ‘forever chemicals’
The decision comes after environmental regulators designated the chemicals — used in nonstick frying pans, water-repellent sports gear, stain-resistant rugs, cosmetics and countless other consumer products – as hazardous substances.
RSU 9 superintendent updates PFAS levels in school well water
Superintendent Christian Elkington provides the board, as well as students and parents/caregivers, the test result of PFAS levels in the well water at Cape Cod Hill School, as well as hear administrative reports from Foster Career and Technical Education center and transportation.
California sues over ‘forever chemicals’ that taint water
The chemicals are found in firefighting foams, nonstick frying pans, cleaning sprays, water-repellent sports gear, stain-resistant rugs, cosmetics and countless other products.