'Forever Chemicals' and Farming

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemicals used in many products. They are employed, for example, in fast-food packaging, non-stick cooking utensils and even carpets. PFASs are often described as 'forever chemicals' as they break down only very slowly when they get into the environment. PFASs have also been linked to a range health conditions in humans including cancers and fertility impairment. In Maine (USA) some small farmers are now facing economic ruin as a consequence of PFAS contamination (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/22/i-dont-know-how-well-survive-the-farmers-facing-ruin-in-americas-forever-chemicals-crisis). In the past, sludge 'biosolids' were often used as fertiliser on fields in Maine farms. This sludge was contaminated with PFASs. Tests have now revealed PFASs in the soil, water for both drinking and irrigation, crops, chickens of the farms as well as the farmer's own bloods. This means that some smallholders in Maine can't sell their produce and are worried about their own health. It seems remarkable that more hasn't been done to regulate the manufacture and release of 'forever chemicals'. People have known about these problematic products for decades.