Found in water, air, soil, food, consumer products and work settings, “forever chemicals” pose risks to both physical health and mental well-being.
Marina Schauffler
Marina Schauffler is a writer and editor who explores the complex interconnections between ecology and culture. Her "Sea Change" column, launched in 2014, highlights ways to live more sustainably and address our collective environmental and societal challenges, particularly the climate crisis. She holds a Ph.D. in natural resources and an MA in English/creative nonfiction writing (both from the University of New Hampshire), and an interdisciplinary honors BA from Brown University.
LATEST ARTICLES
Maine’s law to reduce PFAS in products is off to a slow start
Under Maine’s phased-in PFAS ban, manufacturers will soon be required to report on PFAS types and volumes in products, but the state is granting many businesses a 6-month extension.
How you can reduce your PFAS body burden
Individual actions can minimize exposure to “forever chemicals” until policy measures, like Maine’s ban on PFAS in products, take effect.
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.
PFAS to Go: Many takeout containers and wrappers risk contaminating foods
Maine enacted legislation to foster use of safer food packaging materials, but three years later the state has yet to begin rule-making.
Testing the Waters: Tracing the movement of PFAS into waterways and wildlife
From countless scattered sources and historic hotspots, ‘forever chemicals’ enter surface water and groundwater, eventually reaching marine ecosystems. Along the way, citizens and scientists are working to assess the effects of PFAS.
PFAS Plume: New data suggests contaminants in town water supply may come from former Brunswick Naval Air Station
‘Forever chemicals’ can show up in aquifers long after their historic use, prompting the need for costly drinking water monitoring and treatment.
Update: State agency releases redacted leachate disposal agreement
The process to assess PFAS treatment options for leachate at state-owned landfills appears to be proceeding without a full understanding of the current disposal arrangements and the mandated engagement of ‘interested parties.’
The need for affordable PFAS water testing
An alternative emerges to expensive state-accredited tests.
The slow path to eliminating PFAS in firefighting foam
Maine struggles to assess where stocks are and find safe means of disposal.
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