Maine asks hunters to avoid eating deer, turkey in some areas because of PFAS contamination
AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is advising hunters in some areas to avoid eating deer and turkey because of contamination with PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. The department is urging hunters in several areas with high levels of PFAS in deer to eat only muscle meat from their kills and to avoid the liver, kidneys and heart.
PFAS chemicals are used in a variety of products, including firefighting foam, non-stick cookware and food packaging. They can accumulate in the environment and in animals, posing health risks.
The department’s advice is based on testing of deer and turkey in the state. Samples collected in recent years show high levels of PFAS in some areas. Hunters are being asked to avoid eating deer or turkey from the following areas:
- Parts of Franklin County near the Madawaska town landfill
- The area around the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone
- Near the former Fairchild Semiconductor plant in South Portland
The department is recommending that hunters in those areas avoid eating the liver, kidneys and heart of their kills because those organs tend to have higher concentrations of PFAS. The department is also urging hunters to limit their consumption of deer and turkey in general.
“We are taking this situation very seriously,” said Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso. “We are committed to providing the public with accurate information and advice to help them protect their health.”
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recommending that women of child-bearing age and children avoid eating certain types of wild game. The DHHS says there is limited information on the potential effects of PFAS exposure on fetuses and young children.
PFAS have been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, liver damage and immune system suppression. The chemicals can also affect the thyroid hormone and reproductive systems.
The department is urging hunters to learn more about PFAS and their potential health effects. They can find information on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services website, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.
“It is important for hunters to understand the risks associated with PFAS,” said Camuso. “We want hunters to be able to enjoy the sport of hunting safely.”
The department says it is continuing to test deer and turkey for PFAS and will update its advice to hunters as new information becomes available.
