BANGOR DAILY NEWS • December 29, 2024
This year saw advances in identifying and tackling the damage from forever chemicals in Maine, with policies and research aimed at making products, food and water safer. Five highlights:
• The first national, enforceable drinking water standard will cause Maine to cut its maximum allowable level of certain “forever chemicals” in public drinking water.
• Maine was the first state to enact a law requiring manufacturers to stop selling or distributing certain products containing PFAS.
• Regulators and municipalities are testing more waterways and soils to determine whether they contain PFAS.
• UMaine scientists are making progress toward creating grease- and oil-resistant food wraps using pulp cellulose and seaweed coatings to serve the purpose, but safely.
• Farmers, legislators and researchers are trying to find ways to keep PFAS-contaminated farms going.