How can I limit my exposure to PFAS in my garden?

You can take the following actions to limit your exposure:

  • Rinse all produce with PFAS-free water and remove any residual soil and co-compost prior to eating
  • Wash your hands after working in the garden
  • Limit growing and eating root vegetables, like carrots, in PFAS-impacted soils or co-compost
  • Peel potatoes and other root vegetables if grown and eaten
  • Add high organic carbon sources to soil, like fertilizer and manure, that do not contain PFAS
  • Limit using PFAS-impacted water, if practical

 

Want to learn more about PFAS in irrigation water?

A recent study modelled how much PFAS was found in vegetables following watering with PFAS-impacted water. The study found that using water with the USEPA lifetime health advisory for PFOS and PFOA of 70 nanograms per Liter (ng/L) [or parts per trillion, ppt] would result in daily exposure below what state and federal agencies deemed high risk, for all age groups.3 In other words, water that the USEPA says is safe to drink is also safe to water ones plants with.  

    Cited References

  1. Ghisi, R., Vamerali, T. and Manzetti, S., 2019. Accumulation of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in agricultural plants: a review. Environmental Research, 169, pp.326-341.
  2. Brown, J.B., Conder, J.M., Arblaster, J.A. and Higgins, C.P., 2020. Assessing human health risks from per-and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-impacted vegetable consumption: a tiered modeling approach. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(23), pp.15202-15214.

Show All Answers

1. What can residents, businesses, and visitors can do to prevent exposure to PFAS?
2. Should I stop growing and eating vegetables using co-compost that may have PFAS?
3. Can I water my plants and garden with PFAS-contaminated water and eat that produce?
4. How can I limit my exposure to PFAS in my garden?
5. What are the PFAS levels in fertilizer and other soil products coming onto the Island?
6. Waste Options Nantucket makes products for beneficial re-use. What are they?
7. Is it safe to shower using domestic well water that contains PFAS?
8. Is it safe for me to bathe my baby using domestic (private) well water that contains PFAS?
9. What can I do as a private well owner to remove PFAS from my water?
10. Am I at risk if I drink or drank water with PFAS above health standards?
11. Is there a way to test my or my family’s blood serum levels for PFAS?