By Faith Cullens-Nobis
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” are a large class of manmade chemicals commonly used for their water, oil and stain resistant properties. These chemicals can be found in a wide range of products like firefighting foam, cosmetics, food packaging, non-stick cookware, carpeting, textiles and more. Due to their widespread use, these chemicals are found in water, soil, fish, livestock, pets, wildlife and humans around the world. PFAS chemicals have also been found on agricultural land, but more research and environmental sampling is needed to identify the extent of this contamination.
PFAS are still in use today and don’t break down significantly in the environment, but they can move, particularly through the water cycle. Some PFAS can build up in our bodies, which can lead to health risks. Therefore, breathing, drinking or eating food contaminated with PFAS is a concern. Research is still ongoing to fully understand the effects that PFAS have on health. Although more research is needed, some human health studies have shown that high exposures to certain PFAS may:
- Lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant.
- Increase the chance of high blood pressure in pregnant women.
- Increase the chance of thyroid disease.
- Increase cholesterol levels.
- Change the body’s immune response.
- Increase the chance of cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancers.
How does PFAS get onto farmland?
PFAS have entered farmland through several different pathways including land application of materials containing high levels of PFAS, such as biosolids, paper sludge and tannery waste. Other pathways include irrigating with contaminated water and potentially through the application of pesticides, herbicides, septage and precipitation, although more research is needed to understand the extent of soil contamination resulting from these pathways.
Source : msu.edu