Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used in various industries since the 1940s. These persistent chemicals do not break down naturally in the environment, meaning they can accumulate over time in water, soil, air, and living organisms. Where PFAS has reached farmland, this is due to the application of biosolids (treated sewage sludge) and industrial waste to farm fields, as well as through contaminated water sources used for irrigation. For farmers with PFAS-contaminated land, understanding and managing this issue is important: when PFAS are present in soil, they can be taken up by crops and forage. This contamination may lead to health and economic concerns, and farmers can face questions about their products, or whether they can continue to farm their land. The evolving landscape of PFAS contamination levels, regulatory standards, and remediation options creates a need for ongoing research and support for farming families who may have been affected by contamination from external sources.

In Maine, a number of dairy farmers have been adversely affected by PFAS due to contamination of their land from external sources. These dairy farms had contaminated soil, forage, and water, which led to PFAS contamination in the milk of their cows. The UMaine PFAS dairy team has been working on identifying strategies to mitigate PFAS in dairy systems through in vitro laboratory experiments, data analysis, and farmer interviews.

This infographic provides information about the UMaine PFAS dairy team’s research objectives and findings. It also lists recommendations for PFAS mitigation strategies after a dairy farm has identified PFAS contamination.