PFAS in Wildlife: Maine Researcher Unveils Dangers of Persistent Chemicals in Local Birds and the Food Chain

Researchers in Maine are currently studying the impact of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on local wildlife. Penelope Overton of the Portland Press Herald reports that wildlife biologist Micah Miller is leading studies on various bird species in Maine to analyze the presence of PFAS in their blood, with common eiders being the most recent subjects.

Preliminary findings have revealed concerning levels of these chemicals in birds like loons and eagles, especially near Lovejoy Pond. This has raised concerns about the broader impact on the food chain. The ongoing research aims to understand how PFAS move through the environment and ultimately impact both animals and humans who have similar diets.

Micah Miller, the wildlife biologist leading the research, explains, “We eat the same trout and mussels they do, although not in the same proportions. The amount of PFAS found in these birds tells us a lot about the environmental exposure facing us all.”

This research is crucial in understanding the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure, highlighting the need for regulatory action and further research on these persistent chemicals that can easily infiltrate the food chain. The fact that just one meal of caught fish per year can lead to a significant dose of PFAS underscores the urgency of this issue.