Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, include thousands of chemicals used for many purposes. After their accidental discovery in the late 1930s, PFAS were marketed commercially in the 1940s for their stain-proofing, waterproofing and fire-retardant properties, effective in products like fire-extinguishing foam, food packaging, chrome plating, personal care products, nonstick cookware, shampoos, cosmetics and other household items.
They don’t occur naturally but can now be found in water, soil, air and sometimes food because they persist so long in the environment once disposed of.
After decades of widespread use, human exposure to PFAS has become the norm. People in industries like firefighting or chemical manufacturing and processing are often exposed directly. The rest of us risk indirect exposure from contaminated drinking water, contact with contaminated wastewater, consuming contaminated foods, or swallowing and/or inhaling contaminated soil or dust.
Current peer-reviewed studies have shown that certain levels of exposure can lead to decreased fertility, developmental effects or delays in children, increased cancer risk, reduced immune-system functioning, interference with natural hormones, increased cholesterol levels and risk of obesity.
However, there has been research into potential replacement chemicals and the destruction/breakdown of PFAS. Newer PFAS chemicals like GenX are already being utilized in some of the same products as their predecessors.
Newer PFAS are perceived as less risky than previous products, but the businesses using them want to know how their effectiveness compares to the originals.
There have been state and federal legislation proposed to fine PFAS generators and prevent further PFAS pollution. Some states and the federal government are following Michigan’s lead in developing regulations to manage PFAS use and pollution — such as setting drinking water, wastewater, biosolids and industrial discharge limits — to prevent harmful side effects.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released drinking water standards earlier this year, but Michigan has been at the forefront of addressing PFAS challenges with millions spent in investigations, research and testing to reduce PFAS in drinking water and biosolids.
Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB), the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and other state Farm Bureaus have adopted policy urging research and regulation to reduce potential PFAS contamination and pollution.
MFB Policy #84, Nonpoint Source Pollution and Watershed Management, supports research to determine safe levels of emerging contaminants, developing standards to keep biosolids a feasible crop production nutrient source without risking soil contamination, and indemnification for farmers whose land or products are contaminated by PFAS.
AFBF Policy #537, Water Quality, supports:
- Funding for research, peer-reviewed and science-based health advisory and maximum contaminant levels;
- Collaboration of agencies, universities and the private sector to develop proactive solutions and technologies;
- Establishing an indemnification program and funding to compensate farmers’, producers’ and/or landowners’ financial losses;
- Eliminating any liability of agricultural producers and agricultural retailers/applicators for contamination.
The policy also opposes releasing the federal government from liability associated with PFAS pollution and opposes PFAS and similar chemicals in food packaging.
Information and regulations around PFAS will continue to evolve as we learn more and highlight the necessity of research in addressing emerging contaminant issues. And remember, your water- and fire-proofed clothing and furniture is safe as long as you don’t lick it!
Questions:
- As understanding of PFAS risks increases, there will be increasing pressure to remove them from products. How can farmers be protected as regulations and laws seek to remove PFAS from food packaging and other common items, when PFAS chemicals are not readily able to be identified in those products?
- What can individuals do to protect themselves and their farms against PFAS contamination?
- Should I test for PFAS in the water and soil on my farm? What risks or liability does testing create?
…and/or submit one of the following via email:
- What local issues are on farmers’ minds in your area that should be addressed in the next five years?
- What other CAG discussion topics would you like to see?
- Your Farm Bureau staff in Lansing are here for YOU! What specific questions do you have for them? What assistance can they provide?
Include your name & CAG affiliation with your responses:
- EMAIL: [email protected]
- MAIL: MFB CAG Responses, ATTN: Ashley Frazee, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917
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