Food from farms contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’ may pose human health risks: EPA

Food produced on farms whose land was contaminated with toxic “forever chemicals” may pose a risk to human health, according to a new draft report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The report from the EPA is focused on risks to those who live near impacted farms or who otherwise rely primarily on their products rather than for the general public.

Nevertheless, the findings are an acknowledgment from the agency that these chemicals can pose a risk through food.

In particular, the agency found potential risks from drinking milk and eating beef or eggs from contaminated farms.

It also found possible risk from drinking water sourced from contaminated groundwater or eating fish from a lake affected by farm runoff.

The report is also a potential step toward action from the government to address the problem — though it will be up to the incoming Trump administration whether to act.

The last Trump administration expressed interest in addressing the issue of “forever chemicals” but critics say it slow-walked the process. More broadly, it took a relatively relaxed approach to chemical regulation, including by excluding some substances from safety reviews.

“Forever chemicals” are the nickname of a class of chemicals that have been used over the years in a wide range of nonstick, waterproof and greaseproof products, ranging from pans to clothing to makeup to fast food containers. They have also been used by the military and firefighting foams.

These substances, also known as PFAS, have been linked to a wide range of illnesses, including cancers, immune system and fertility issues and kidney, liver and thyroid problems. They are also persistent in the environment and build up over time instead of breaking down.

Many American farms have become contaminated through the land application of PFAS-containing “sewage sludge” — a byproduct that comes from treating wastewater produced by households and businesses.

This sludge has been applied to some farms as fertilizer — but in cases where it contained PFAS, it led to those chemicals being spread as well.

The EPA’s draft assessment applied to just two types of PFAS, known as PFOA and PFOS. They are among the most widespread and well-studied of the thousands in the “forever chemical” family.

The EPA’s report comes after farmers in Texas and Maine sued the agency to try to get it to regulate the chemicals.

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