8 Questions and Answers About PFAS in Homegrown Crops Posted: March 23, 2025 #1: What Are PFAS, and Why Should You Care?PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are toxic “forever chemicals” that don’t break down naturally.According to the CDC, PFAS exposure is linked to cancer, birth defects, liver disease, and more. If your garden is near contaminated water or soil, these chemicals could be in your homegrown food.Learn More #2. How Do PFAS Get Into Your Garden?PFAS can enter plants through contaminated water, soil, and even fertilizers made from waste materials.A study in Environmental Research found that plants take in PFAS through their roots. Some of these chemicals can move into edible leaves, fruits, and vegetables.Learn More #3. Which Crops Absorb the Most PFAS?Leafy greens and root vegetables absorb the highest levels of PFAS.A study in Green Science Policy Institute found that cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and spinach had the highest PFAS uptake. Root crops like carrots also absorbed long-chain PFAS, but peeling them can help reduce exposure.Learn More #4. How Likely Is It My Garden Could Be Exposed to PFAS?PFAS were detected in ALL 53 produce samples tested near a North Carolina chemical plant.According to a Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry study, home gardens within miles of a chemical plant contained dangerous PFAS levels, proving that homegrown food is a significant exposure risk.Chemicals can flow into rivers and streams or soak into the ground. When it rains, these chemicals seep into underground water sources, where they build up in the environment and enter the food chain.PFAS are also used in firefighting foam used in firefighting training and at airports and military bases. Water wells near a former U.S. Air Force base in Michigan had PFAS levels 10,000 times higher than the EPA’s lifetime health advisory. A study published in Environmental Research in August 2018 estimated that around 6 million Americans are still exposed to water with unsafe PFAS levels. Learn More #5. Can I Use Tap Water to Safely Water My Garden?If your tap water contains PFAS, watering your garden can transfer those chemicals to your plants.The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment recommends using filtered water or rainwater for irrigation, as even low levels of PFAS in water can accumulate in edible crops.Learn More #6. How Long Does PFAS Stay in Soil?Once in your garden soil, PFAS don’t break down and can linger for generations.PFAS contamination isn’t just a one-season problem. The EPA warns that these chemicals remain in soil indefinitely, making long-term exposure a major concern for home gardeners.Learn More #7. How Can I Reduce the Effects of PFAS in My Garden?Simple steps can help lower PFAS exposure from homegrown food:* Use raised garden beds with clean, store-bought soil.* Choose fruits and grains over leafy greens and root crops.* Wash produce thoroughly and peel root vegetables before eating.* Avoid compost made from biosolids, which may contain PFAS.Learn More #8. What Can I Do If PFAS Makes Me Sick?Law firms are fighting for compensation on behalf of people harmed by PFAS contamination.Numerous studies have examined the possible health effects of exposure to PFAS. The most reliable research has connected PFAS exposure to illnesses such as:* Kidney cancer* Testicular cancer* Ulcerative colitis* Liver cancerIf PFAS exposure has affected your health, you may be entitled to compensation. Visit the PFAS Personal Injury Lawsuit Information Center to learn how attorneys are holding polluters accountable for PFAS-related injuries.Learn More
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