PFAS Contamination in New England - A Silent Threat to our Community

In recent years, New England has grappled with a growing environmental and public health crisis: PFAS contamination. Known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in water supplies across the region, creating major concern and highlighting the need for action.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are a group of over 9,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. They are valued for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, making them common in products like non-stick cookware, water repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. However, this durability also means PFAS do not break down easily in the environment, leading to their accumulation in soil, water, and living organisms.

Contamination in New England

PFAS contamination has been identified in numerous locations across New England, with particularly alarming discoveries in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. In Massachusetts, the town of Barnstable faced significant PFAS contamination from firefighting foams used at nearby fire training academies, leading to the closure of wells and costly mitigation efforts. Similarly, in New Hampshire, the town of Merrimack has dealt with extensive contamination linked to industrial discharges from the Saint Gobain Performance Plastics facility. Maine has also been severely impacted, particularly in agricultural areas where PFAS-laden sludge was spread as fertilizer. This practice, once considered safe, has led to contamination of farmland, livestock, and drinking water, with devastating effects on local farmers and communities.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health issues. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), potential health effects include:

Increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., kidney and testicular cancer)
Liver damage
Thyroid disease
Immune system dysfunction
Developmental effects in infants and children
Increased cholesterol levels

Because PFAS accumulate in the body over time, even low level exposure can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.

Regulatory Responses and Community Action

In response to the growing crisis, New England states have implemented a range of regulatory measures to address PFAS contamination. Massachusetts has established some of the strictest drinking water standards for PFAS in the country, setting a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) for six PFAS chemicals combined. The state has also provided funding for testing and remediation efforts.

New Hampshire has taken similar steps, enacting strict MCLs and pursuing legal action against companies responsible for PFAS pollution. In Maine, the discovery of widespread contamination has led to a statewide investigation into the use of PFAS-contaminated sludge, and the state has set up financial assistance programs for affected farmers and residents.

Communities across New England have also mobilized to demand action and accountability. Local advocacy groups, such as Community Action Works in Massachusetts and Maine Farmland Trust, have played a crucial role in raising awareness, supporting affected individuals, and pushing for stronger regulations.

Make sure to check these organizations out and support their cause!

What Can Be Done?

Regulation and Policy
- Continued enforcement of strict drinking water standards and bans on the use of PFAS in consumer products and industrial processes.
Remediation
- Investment in technologies to remove PFAS from contaminated water and soil, such as activated carbon filtration and ion exchange.
Public Awareness
- Educating communities about the risks of PFAS exposure and ways to minimize it, such as avoiding products that contain PFAS.
Corporate Accountability
- Holding manufacturers and polluters responsible for contamination through legal action and requiring them to fund cleanup efforts.

Conclusion

The PFAS contamination crisis in New England highlights the urgent need for comprehensive environmental protections and corporate accountability. While significant progress has been made in identifying and addressing contamination, ongoing vigilance and community engagement are essential to protect public health and the environment from these persistent pollutants.

Bibliography

“Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).” United States Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/pfas. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

“Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Protection, Massachusetts Department of Environmental. “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).” Mass.Gov, www.mass.gov/info-details/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas?_gl=1%2A1hh8l6h%2A_ga%2AOTc1NTc5OTEzLjE3Mzg1MzA1NDA.%2A_ga_MCLPEGW7WM%2AMTczODUzMDU0NC4xLjAuMTczODUzMDU0NC4wLjAuMA.. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

“New Hampshire Pfas Response.” New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, www.pfas.des.nh.gov/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

“Pfas in Products.” PFAS in Products, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, www.maine.gov/dep/spills/topics/pfas/PFAS-products/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.