Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Farmland and Water Supplies

Birth Defects, Toxic Exposure

Forever chemicals are seemingly everywhere, and contamination from these dangerous compounds is showing up everywhere from our drinking water to the food we eat.

Dubbed “forever chemicals” because of the way these compounds resist decomposition, these chemicals can be found in workout clothing, fast food wrappers, nonstick cookware, fire fighting foam, stain resistant carpets — and in our bodies and throughout the environment.

How PFAS Affect Humans

Known as PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, these chemicals have been linked to a host of health concerns, including birth defects, lowered fertility, hormone disruption, lowered immune response, obesity, and cancer.

Recently, the EPA set what are considered acceptable levels of PFAS in drinking water, and the FDA began testing foods to determine whether they are safe for consumers. Some food products have been recalled after testing revealed levels of PFAS too high for human consumption.

Long-Term Contamination 

The owners of Songbird Farms in Maine had been thrilled to buy a farm and begin providing organic products to their local community. However, they later learned that their property had been treated with biosludge containing PFAS in the 1990s, 24 years before they bought the farm. Tests showed levels of PFAS in their soil and water at hundreds of times what the EPA considers safe. Pending more testing of their crops, they stopped selling produce.

The farm’s owner, Adam Nordell, has shifted his focus to working with Defend Our Health, an environmental advocacy group, to help other farmers who have been affected by PFAS contamination.

PFAS Victims Fighting for Justice

One of the main points of contention among consumers, landowners, local governments and the companies that produce and distribute PFAS is that the companies knew of the dangers of these chemicals but did not disclose them to the public. That is the basis of ongoing litigation against the 3M corporation. A proposed $10 billion settlement for communities whose water supplies have been contaminated is currently under review.

How We Help Victims of Toxic Exposure

The attorneys of our birth defects victims’ alliance understand the pain that families face when coping with life-altering birth defects—and the frustration of knowing they could have been prevented. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience in birth defects litigation in cases involving semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, pesticides, and energy production. We have the resources and experience to fight on behalf of our clients against corporations that put them in danger. Call us to see how we can help you and your family receive justice for birth defects.