BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 25, 2021
Contamination from “forever chemicals,” commonly called PFAS, is so widespread that scientists estimate nearly two-thirds of Americans have drinking water that is contaminated by some form of the chemical. These chemicals have been found in nearly every American who has been tested for them. In Maine, PFAS contamination is also widespread. These chemicals are associated with higher risks for asthma, liver damage, thyroid disease, preeclampsia, high cholesterol and decreased fertility. So, it is welcome news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a national strategy to limit further PFAS releases into the environment and to begin to clean up contamination that has already occurred.