Farmers didn't know their land was contaminated with PFAS. Now they're suing
Farmers in the U.S. face severe challenges from PFAS contamination, leading to lawsuits against the EPA, financial losses, and health risks, while Maine offers support that other states lack.
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Farmers across the United States are facing severe challenges due to contamination of their land with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." These chemicals, which can persist in the environment for over a thousand years, have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and thyroid disease. Many farmers, like Jason Grostic from Michigan, have been forced to cease operations after discovering PFAS in their products, leading to significant financial losses. The Environmental Working Group estimates that nearly 20 million acres of U.S. farmland may be affected. As states like Maine and Michigan expand testing for PFAS, farmers are increasingly learning about the contamination of their land, often with little support for remediation. In response, some farmers are suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to regulate PFAS in biosolids, which have been used as fertilizers and are a primary source of contamination. Maine has taken proactive measures, including establishing a $60 million emergency fund for affected farmers, while other states lack similar resources. Farmers are advocating for federal action and financial assistance to address the contamination and its impacts on their livelihoods. Meanwhile, some are adapting their farming practices to mitigate the effects of PFAS, such as changing crop types or utilizing clean water for livestock.
- Farmers are suing the EPA over PFAS contamination in their land and products.
- PFAS exposure is linked to serious health risks and can persist in the environment for over a thousand years.
- Maine has established a $60 million fund to assist farmers affected by PFAS, while other states lack similar support.
- Farmers are adapting their practices to cope with contamination, including changing crop types and using clean water for livestock.
- The issue highlights the need for federal regulation and financial assistance to support affected farmers.
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1 comments> estimates from the Environmental Working Group suggest these harmful chemicals could be polluting nearly 20 million acres of cropland, more than 20% of all U.S. farmland.
https://www.ecos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PFAS-in-Bios... ("PFAS in Biosolids: A Review of State Efforts & Opportunities for Action")
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