The Higgins family of Fairfield, Maine, faced a daunting challenge in 2020 when they discovered high levels of PFAS contamination in their well water. Lawrence and Penny Higgins had been using the water for decades, unaware of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure. Concerned about the potential impact on their health, they reached out to doctors for guidance but found little information available.
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are toxic chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. Despite widespread use in everyday products, many clinicians remain unaware of the health risks associated with PFAS exposure. These chemicals can have serious effects on various organ systems and have been linked to cancer, immune deficiencies, and pregnancy complications.
Maine was among the first states to address the issue of PFAS contamination, conducting extensive water and soil testing to identify hotspots of contamination. The Higgins family’s property was one such hotspot, contaminated by the land-spreading of wastewater sludge containing PFAS. Exposure to PFAS can also be high near military bases, fire training areas, landfills, and manufacturing facilities.
Rachel Criswell, a family practice doctor and environmental health researcher in Central Maine, has been working to educate medical providers and patients about PFAS exposure. She has provided guidance to primary care providers on how to respond to PFAS-related questions and has been instrumental in raising awareness about the health risks associated with PFAS.
Recent guidance from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has improved clinical understanding of PFAS exposure and its health effects. Doctors are now recommended to order blood tests for patients with known PFAS exposures to assess their risk and provide appropriate medical care.
In communities heavily affected by PFAS contamination, patients are advocating for better understanding and treatment options. Criswell and her colleagues are conducting a study to assess the mental health consequences of PFAS exposure in rural residents, with input from community members like the Higgins family.
Despite the challenges posed by PFAS contamination, efforts are being made to improve screening and treatment options for affected individuals. Maine legislators have passed a bill to require insurers to cover PFAS blood tests as part of preventive care, and ongoing research aims to provide valuable insights into managing PFAS exposure.
Overall, the fight against PFAS contamination is ongoing, with medical providers, researchers, and community members working together to address the health risks associated with these harmful chemicals.
