Author: Marina Schauffler

sludge dumping

A Spreading Problem

How PFAS got into soils and food systems Risks from ‘forever chemicals’ have ended a half-century of spreading sludge onto Maine farmland and raised unanswered questions about contamination of foods. “Other states in general...

takeout food containers

PFAS to Go

Many takeout containers risk contaminating foods Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can find their way into foods through sludge or compost that contaminates soils, waters and crops, or they can migrate directly from packaging...

monitoring wells

PFAS Plume

‘Forever chemicals’ can show up in aquifers long after their historic use, prompting the need for costly drinking water monitoring and treatment. A recent U.S. Navy report finds that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)...

taking water sample

Testing the Waters

Tracing the movement of PFAS into waterways and wildlife Martha Spiess, a retired veterinarian, began testing waters in Brunswick for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) after hearing news of ‘forever chemicals’ contaminating Maine farms....