EPA Pledges $15M to Study 'Significant Threat' to U.S. Food Supply

By Anna Skinner | Newsweek | September 4, 2024

Read the full article by Anna Skinner (Newsweek)

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $15 million in research grants to research per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a "significant threat" to the country's food supply.

PFAS encompass thousands of man-made chemicals found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, grease-resistant food wrappers and water-resistant clothing. Because of the long time it takes them to break down, PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," can cause harm in high exposure amounts.

PFAS can seep into the soil and water supply during the breakdown process. Recently, the presence of PFAS in the U.S. water supply has prompted further examination of the chemicals."