State officials in Maine have issued a serious warning for hunters and residents. According to Maine Public, deer and wild turkey in several towns contain dangerous levels of PFAS contamination, making the animals unsafe to eat. 

What's happening?

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife detected high levels of these harmful chemicals in the meat and organs of wildlife across several local communities. 

The department has expanded its Do Not Eat Wildlife Consumption Advisory to protect residents from exposure. It includes parts of Fairfield, Skowhegan, Unity, Unity Township, Albion, Freedom, Knox, and Thorndike.

PFAS, which stands for "per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances," earned their nickname of "forever chemicals" because of how long they last. They can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. They can also accumulate in animal tissues over time, concentrating in the meat and organs hunters usually eat. 

The MDIFW also created an online wildlife advisory map. Officials have urged hunters to check the map before consuming any game from affected areas. 

Why is PFAS contamination concerning?

PFAS exposure can pose serious health risks. These chemicals can increase the risk for certain cancers and cause several health issues. 

The contamination also affects families who rely on hunting for sustenance. Many rural Maine residents depend on wild game as an affordable, traditional protein source. The advisory eliminates this food option for communities who may already be facing economic hardships. 

Furthermore, wildlife contamination also suggests broader environmental issues. PFAS in animals indicate that these chemicals have further spread through our soil and water systems. This just goes to show how much they've affected entire ecosystems across the state and the world. 

What's being done about PFAS contamination?

Maine has taken aggressive action against PFAS, becoming the first state to ban PFAS in products. Officials are continuing to monitor wildlife populations and expanding advisories as new data emerges. 

Residents can protect themselves by checking the state's advisory map before hunting and avoiding game from contaminated areas. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry recommended filtering drinking water and reducing exposure to products containing PFAS. 

Scientists are developing new cleanup methods to remove PFAS from contaminated sites. Communities nationwide are pushing manufacturers to eliminate these chemicals from products altogether. 

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