The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association created a PFAS Emergency Relief Fund in 2022 that has handed out more than $1.5 million in assistance to more than 50 Maine farmers impacted by forever chemical contamination.
PFAS
A new Midcoast PFAS lab enters the fray
With PFAS regulations tightening, a new state-certified lab has entered the chat. The goal? To help fill gaps in local knowledge and halt โforever chemicalsโ in their tracks.
Scientists find another way weโre exposed to โforever chemicalsโ: Through our skin
This study adds to the limited body of evidence that proves dermal exposure to PFAS can lead to skin absorption.
Hundreds of Maine households are stranded in PFAS limbo
The state says it can’t afford to mitigate PFAS issues at homes near sludge hot spots that pass state drinking water standards but fail the new federal ones.
Portland Water District files lawsuit against forever chemical manufacturers
The district is seeking compensation to cover the cost of testing and treating wastewater polluted by chemicals used to make goods as varied as waterproof mascara, Teflon, Scotchgard and firefighting foams.
Maine stocks PFAS-laden waters with fish, warns ‘do not eat’
Scientists worry that some anglers will still consume the trout tainted by forever chemicals. One environmental watchdog group calls the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife practice ‘super disturbing.’
How central Maine farmers help make the state’s PFAS recovery program a success
Central Maine farmers were essential in building what officials say is the first state program in the nation to directly take on so-called ‘forever chemicals.’ Now it’s credited with helping dozens of farms continue operations.
High levels of forever chemicals in Maine birds add to concern about food chain
Researchers in Maine are trying to understand how perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are affecting fish, birds and mammals.
In a historic legislative session, some big reforms for Maine still fell short
Some approved legislation still awaits action by the governor, and lawmakers will return for at least one more day to address vetoes.
EPA designates 2 forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup
A group that represents the chemical industry says it strongly opposes the Environmental Protection Agency’s designation of two forever chemicals used in cookware, carpets and firefighting foams as hazardous substances.