PFAS in Consumer Products & Food Service
Many consumer products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a large group of human-made chemicals know for their heat-stable, friction-reducing, and grease-, water-, and stain-resistant properties. PFAS are frequently called “forever chemicals” because they do not breakdown and instead build up over time in the environment, animals, and people; and can be harmful to health.
The purpose of this Project was to educate residents, local officials, institutions, and businesses in targeted areas of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont on which products are likely to contain PFAS and how to avoid buying them.
View the General PFAS and Product Factsheets & References
View the PFAS Food Service Guide & References
View the National Outreach Webinar Presentation Slides
NEWMOA developed:
- A general handout about PFAS and the connection to consumer products
- Handouts on four common categories of consumer products
- PFAS in Food Service: Promoting Alternatives – An 8-page guide for food service providers including, restaurants, grocery stores, school and other institutional cafeterias
NEWMOA also conducted outreach, including:
- A national outreach webinar PFAS in Consumer Products, Food Service & Facility Maintenance: Promoting Awareness & Alternatives in September 2024
- A technical assistance webinar PFAS in Food Service & Facility Maintenance: Promoting Alternatives – Slides from virtual workshops for food service providers in June 2024 and August 2024 and for K-12 schools in NH in September 2024
- A presentation PFAS : What Is It? History, Toxicity, and Solutions to the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District (VT) towns during their June 2024 board meeting
- Community events, such as six farmer markets during the summer of 2023 & a street fair in September 2024
- Hands-on technical assistance to a large regional nursing home
