[Commentary] PFAS contamination also has mental health impact on Maine’s farmers

By Jacki Martinez Perkins And Annie Watson | Portland Press Herald | May 25, 2023

Read the full article by Jacki Martinez Perkins And Annie Watson (Portland Press Herald)

"Farms play a critical role in our beloved state. Our rocky but fertile pasture and cropland soils are rich cultural and natural resources. Unsurprisingly, when it was revealed in 2019 that some (less than 1%) of Maine farmland had been spread with sludge containing “forever chemicals” – collectively called PFAS chemicals – a sad and fearful wave of concern rippled through the farming community and across the state. The contamination of good soil that has the potential to grow wholesome food is a profound loss to farmers and all Maine citizens. We need our soil and we need our farmers.

PFAS contamination is complicated in many evident ways – chemically, economically and biologically – but we must also consider the social impacts. PFAS contamination is very emotionally taxing for farmers whose land has been or may soon be affected. Farmers build businesses in concert with their land. “Contaminated” is not a word any person wants to hear about their home, let alone the wondrous matrix of life and pulverized rock called soil.

The level of cognitive and emotional strain that PFAS contamination places on farming communities should not be underestimated, especially since farmers and farmworkers already experience high levels of stress. Stress in agricultural communities can lead to poor decision making, higher risk of physical injury on farms and farmer attrition. In fact, farmers face higher suicide risk than most occupations. Healthy farmers and farmworkers are crucial for healthy food systems and healthy communities."