‘Forever’ chemicals found on Maine dairies and farms

For years, many dairies, farms and neighbors across Maine have been using compost containing treated sludge from wastewater. Until this year, none of them knew that the “forever” chemicals known as PFAS were in that sludge they were spreading across their farms and gardens.

Now, every single sample of compost that has been collected from farms in Maine—all 44—has tested positive for at least one PFAS chemical. These chemicals are linked to cancer, kidney disease and other serious health problems, and while they have been found in drinking water across the country, they have only recently been discovered contaminating soil on farms, too.

PFAS can spell disaster for farmers whose livelihoods are threatened by the contamination, and could mean that these dangerous chemicals are entering our food system as well. If you or someone you know has been impacted by this contamination, please get in touch with us by emailing action@communityactionworks.org.