Meat from a farm near an aircraft fleet, where PFAS-containing fire foam has previously been used, shows levels of the toxic chemicals that are about five times higher than the current limit value.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has conducted samples on seven farms and finds that the pollution may need to be addressed.
-It is a problem at the community level and we want to reduce exposure, says PFAS expert Karl Lilja.
In the survey of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, levels above 1 nanogram PFAS per gram from meat from three cattle were measured in the farm in question. The limit value is 0.3 nanograms per gram, which means that the levels in two cases fivefold exceed the permitted level.
At another farm, values were noted just below the limit value, while the others did not show any clear elevations.
“The risk of some outcomes increases”
PFAS substances are known to be able to affect, among other things, the immune system and blood fats. According to Karl Lilja, who works with PFAS pollution at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, individual individuals need not feel acute concern, but the risks become clearer when looking at the entire population. In addition, the authorities want to prevent contaminated foods from reaching consumers to a greater extent.
– At the individual level, I would not say that you need to be worried, but the risk of some outcomes increases a bit when you look at large groups. Therefore, it is important to lower our exposure, says Karl Lilja.
Important to find the source
An important measure for elevated values is to identify the source. If the animals get contaminated water or lining, the levels in the meat can be corrected by providing fresh water and unpainted feed. It can lower the PFAS values in the animals fairly quickly. The authorities are now planning further support to prevent similar situations:
– This shows that we have to be better at assessing possible risks and finding the cause before the levels get too high, says Karl Lilja.