Residents in small towns across New York, Vermont, and Maine are grappling with the lasting impacts of PFAS pollution, with class-action settlements providing limited relief for poisoned wells and persistent health threats.
Sara Foss reports for Barn Raiser.
In short:
- In Petersburgh, New York, and nearby communities, PFAS from factories polluted private wells, rivers, and public water systems, exposing residents to high levels of toxic “forever chemicals” that persist in the body and environment.
- Lawsuits in New York and Vermont have secured millions for water treatment systems, property damages, and medical monitoring, but residents say they still live with anxiety, compromised health, and homes they fear are still contaminated.
- Federal regulations do not cover small private wells or water systems serving fewer than 3,300 people, leaving many rural communities vulnerable and dependent on slow, piecemeal solutions.
Key quote:
“I hate owning this home and not being able to utilize the water around me. It’s tragic.”
— Jackie Monette, Petersburgh resident
Why this matters:
PFAS chemicals are used in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof gear and firefighting foam. Their durability, once prized by industry, means they linger in soil, water, and human bodies for years, sometimes decades. Scientific research ties PFAS exposure to a wide range of health problems: cancers, thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, and weakened immune response, especially in children. Because these substances don’t easily degrade, even communities that stop the contamination can still face long-term health and economic consequences.
Related: Millions in the U.S. may rely on PFAS-contaminated drinking water
