Maine’s traditional fall hunting season has taken a concerning turn as the state’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has issued a “do not eat wildlife consumption advisory” in certain communities due to the presence of harmful chemicals in animal meat. The advisory covers parts of Unity, Unity Township, Albion, Freedom, Fairfield, and Skowhegan, where high levels of PFAS chemicals have been found in deer and turkeys.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are linked to health issues such as cancer and low birth weight. These chemicals are acquired by wildlife through the consumption of contaminated municipal and industrial sludge. Maine’s advisory is based on testing 54 deer and 55 turkeys, and similar advisories have been issued in other states like New Hampshire, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Despite the popularity of hunting season in Maine, residents are being urged to avoid consuming game from specified areas to prevent exposure to PFAS. The presence of these “forever chemicals” in wildlife and fish has become a pressing public health concern, as they have been found not only in household products but also in food and drinking water systems. Federal authorities have taken steps to limit PFAS pollution, but the issue persists, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and awareness regarding the potential risks associated with these harmful substances.
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