Long Island Farms Contaminated with "Forever Chemicals"

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  Food and Wine on Thu, Mar 05th, 2026 by CBS News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Huntington, N.Y. - A shadow of concern hangs over Long Island's agricultural sector following the recent confirmation of PFAS - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often dubbed "forever chemicals" - in a variety of farm produce. Carrots, beets, and lettuce have already tested positive, but experts warn this may be just the tip of the iceberg. This contamination raises serious questions about the safety of the local food supply, the health of residents, and the long-term viability of Long Island's farming community.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals renowned for their persistence in the environment and the human body. Unlike many pollutants, they don't naturally degrade, leading to their moniker as "forever chemicals." Their widespread use in countless consumer and industrial products - from non-stick cookware and food packaging to firefighting foam and stain repellents - has resulted in ubiquitous environmental contamination, affecting soil, water, and even the air. The growing body of scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to a range of adverse health effects, including certain types of cancer (kidney, testicular), immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, developmental issues in children, and increased cholesterol levels.

The source of the contamination on Long Island farms appears to be linked to the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) - a firefighting agent containing high concentrations of PFAS. While efforts are underway to phase out the use of AFFF, particularly in training exercises, its past use on farms, specifically to extinguish fires in grain silos and other agricultural structures, is now proving to be a significant environmental liability. Grain silos, due to the combustible nature of their contents, are a particular fire risk, and AFFF was often considered the most effective extinguishing agent.

"The problem isn't just the initial use of the foam," explains Dr. Emily Carter, an environmental chemist specializing in PFAS contamination. "It's the leaching of these chemicals into the groundwater, which then gets absorbed by the plants. Because PFAS don't break down, they accumulate in the edible parts of the produce." This means even crops grown years after the initial AFFF application can still contain detectable levels of PFAS.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball has acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, "We're working diligently to understand the full extent of the contamination and to provide crucial support to our impacted farmers." The state, in collaboration with Suffolk County officials, is offering free PFAS testing to farms, enabling them to assess the levels of contamination in their soil and produce. This is a vital first step in determining the scope of the problem and identifying the most affected areas.

Beyond testing, financial assistance is also being considered for farmers who face potential revenue losses due to the contamination. The implications could be significant, with the potential for crop destruction, market restrictions, and reputational damage. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone emphasized the commitment to supporting the farming community: "We're dedicated to ensuring the safety of our food supply and providing the resources our farmers need to navigate this challenging situation."

For consumers, the advice is to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables purchased from Long Island farms. While washing can reduce surface contamination, experts caution it doesn't eliminate PFAS entirely, as the chemicals can be absorbed into the plant tissue. The EPA is currently working on establishing enforceable standards for PFAS in drinking water and is evaluating potential regulations for other environmental pathways, but these processes are ongoing.

The Long Island situation highlights a nationwide crisis. PFAS contamination has been detected in communities across the country, impacting drinking water supplies and agricultural lands. The challenge lies not only in identifying and mitigating existing contamination but also in preventing future releases. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including the development of effective remediation technologies, stricter regulations on PFAS use, and the adoption of safer alternatives.

The incident also raises critical questions about liability and responsibility. Who bears the cost of cleanup and compensation for farmers and consumers impacted by PFAS contamination? Legal battles are already unfolding across the country as individuals and communities seek redress from manufacturers of PFAS-containing products.

The future of Long Island's farms depends on a swift and decisive response to this crisis. Continued monitoring, research, and investment in remediation technologies are essential to protect the health of residents and preserve the region's agricultural heritage.