MSU Extension and other statewide partners are working together to support agricultural producers impacted by PFAS contamination. PFAS are a class of chemicals found in fire retardants, non-stock cookware and in some manufacturing facilities.

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to heat, water and oil. Since the 1940’s, PFAS have been used in many industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, waterproof clothing, grease and waterproof food packaging, cosmetics, fire-fighting foams, and metal plating.

According to the EPA, there are thousands of individual types of PFAS chemicals, not all of which can be detected with current tests. Of the approximately 12,000 chemicals classified as PFAS, the majority of laboratories analyze for the presence of 20-40 of the most prevalent types.

PFAS are still in use today and don’t break down easily in the environment. Some PFAS can build-up in our bodies, which can lead to health risks. Therefore, breathing, drinking or eating food contaminated with PFAS is a concern. Research is still on-going to fully understand the effects that PFAS might have on health. Although more research is needed, some studies in people have shown that certain PFAS may:

  • Lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant
  • Increase the chance of high blood pressure in pregnant women
  • Increase the chance of thyroid disease
  • Increase cholesterol levels
  • Change the body’s immune response
  • Increase the chance of cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancers

Why has Agriculture been Impacted?

Due to their widespread use, PFAS made its way into the waste stream from both household use and industrial use. Since the 1980’s, sludge (also referred to as biosolids) from waste treatment facilities has been used in agriculture as a low-cost fertilizer source. This was a beneficial use of nutrients, however farmers were unaware some of the sludge they were spreading contained PFAS. PFAS may have also entered the agricultural sector by unknowingly using irrigation or animal drinking water that was contaminated from industries that heavily used PFAS such as paper mills, tanneries, airports, or military bases. PFAS have persisted in the soil, been taken up into plants, made their way into animals who eat those plants and have leached into both surface and groundwater.

PFAS Cycle Graphic
Graphic provided by EGLE
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).