EPA Funds Study of 'Forever Chemicals'

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- With some farmers facing farm contamination from "forever chemicals" through the use of sewer sludge applied as fertilizer -- especially in states such as Maine and Michigan -- the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week announced millions of dollars in grants to help learn more about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, PFOS or PFOA chemicals.

DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton wrote about the plight of Michigan farmer Jason Grostic back in 2022, https://www.dtnpf.com/…, who was told by environmental regulators in Michigan that he had to stop selling beef and was forbidden from getting rid of his cattle as well.

The farm was shut down because it was found to be contaminated with "forever chemicals," which essentially are chemicals that don't break down in the environment and have been linked to numerous health conditions.

The EPA shelled out $15 million in research grant funding this week to 10 institutions to conduct research into ways to reduce exposure to the chemicals through food and to protect farms and communities, according to a news release from the EPA.

The projects are designed to collect PFAS bioaccumulation data from plants and livestock and to explore various strategies to reduce exposure.

The funding was awarded to Michigan State University, Passamaquoddy Tribe Sipayik Environmental Department in Pleasant Point, Maine, Temple University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of Albany, University of Illinois-Urbana, University of Maine, University of Utah and the University of Virginia.

PFAS are a category of chemicals used since the 1940s to repel oil and water and resist heat, which makes them useful in everyday products.

Some PFAS do not easily degrade and can bioaccumulate -- or build up -- in the environment and the human body over time resulting in potential adverse health effects.

The EPA funding is expected to be used to research how PFAS accumulates in crops and livestock; the effects of biosolids, compost and irrigation water on PFAS plant uptake and accumulation; and strategies to reduce the risks of PFAS contamination in the food supply.

"Harmful 'forever chemicals' pose a significant threat to our food supply, farming communities, and public health, making it critical that we take bold steps to understand and mitigate their impacts," Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said in a statement.

"While Maine has been leading the nation in combating PFAS contamination, there is much to learn to be able to effectively address the threats created by the presence of these chemicals. Federal investments in research are essential to finding innovative solutions.

Read more on DTN: "EPA to Regulate 'Forever Chemicals'," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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