Maine Warns Hunters Not to Eat Wild Turkeys Due to 'Forever Chemicals' Found in Birds
Hunters in Maine have been put on high alert after a disturbing discovery was made regarding wild turkeys found in certain areas of the state. The birds, which are typically considered a Thanksgiving staple, were found to contain high levels of "forever chemicals" known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas). These chemicals, used in manufacturing since the 1950s, have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, birth defects, and kidney disease.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has issued a warning advising against eating deer or wild turkey harvested from specific areas north of Augusta. The advisory was issued after testing revealed high levels of Pfas in the muscle tissue of wildlife sampled near areas with high soil PFAS concentration levels.
This is not an isolated incident, as multiple states have already taken similar action. Wisconsin and Michigan have also issued advisories against eating fish and deer due to Pfas contamination. In New Mexico, officials warned hunters that wildlife from a lake in the south of the state had high levels of harmful chemicals.
The problem of forever chemicals is a growing concern globally. These chemicals can persist in soil and water for hundreds or even thousands of years, posing a significant risk to human health and the environment.
According to Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, reducing the use of Pfas in consumer products and industrial applications is crucial to addressing this issue. Stoiber stressed that wildlife contamination with Pfas will continue until there are significant changes in how these chemicals are used.
The impact on hunting and wildlife consumption is becoming increasingly apparent. As Stoiber noted, it would take decades to remediate existing Pfas contamination, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The Environmental Working Group recommends stronger federal regulations, public education, and phasing out the use of Pfas in commerce as essential steps towards reducing exposure.
As Thanksgiving approaches, hunters are advised to be cautious about consuming wild turkeys and other wildlife that may have been exposed to these toxic chemicals.
Hunters in Maine have been put on high alert after a disturbing discovery was made regarding wild turkeys found in certain areas of the state. The birds, which are typically considered a Thanksgiving staple, were found to contain high levels of "forever chemicals" known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas). These chemicals, used in manufacturing since the 1950s, have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, birth defects, and kidney disease.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has issued a warning advising against eating deer or wild turkey harvested from specific areas north of Augusta. The advisory was issued after testing revealed high levels of Pfas in the muscle tissue of wildlife sampled near areas with high soil PFAS concentration levels.
This is not an isolated incident, as multiple states have already taken similar action. Wisconsin and Michigan have also issued advisories against eating fish and deer due to Pfas contamination. In New Mexico, officials warned hunters that wildlife from a lake in the south of the state had high levels of harmful chemicals.
The problem of forever chemicals is a growing concern globally. These chemicals can persist in soil and water for hundreds or even thousands of years, posing a significant risk to human health and the environment.
According to Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, reducing the use of Pfas in consumer products and industrial applications is crucial to addressing this issue. Stoiber stressed that wildlife contamination with Pfas will continue until there are significant changes in how these chemicals are used.
The impact on hunting and wildlife consumption is becoming increasingly apparent. As Stoiber noted, it would take decades to remediate existing Pfas contamination, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The Environmental Working Group recommends stronger federal regulations, public education, and phasing out the use of Pfas in commerce as essential steps towards reducing exposure.
As Thanksgiving approaches, hunters are advised to be cautious about consuming wild turkeys and other wildlife that may have been exposed to these toxic chemicals.
those forever chemicals are super bad news 
anyone who eats meat from contaminated areas is playing with fire 
gotta take action now 
we need stricter regulations and more public awareness about this issue 
it's not just about hunters, it's about our health and the planet too 
. Like, I get it, we need to keep an eye on our hunting spots, but can't we find a way to make those chemicals disappear for good? 
It's crazy that they're still used since the 50s and now we're dealing with all these health issues 
. Tasha Stoiber makes a really valid point about needing stronger regulations and public education 
. And I feel bad for hunters who want to enjoy their Thanksgiving turkey without worrying about getting sick 
. Maybe it's time for us to rethink our priorities and make some real changes? 
like what even is that?! We should be worried about eating something that's supposed to bring people together, not poisoning ourselves. And it's not just the turkeys, it's all these other animals that are getting contaminated with Pfas too...it's just heartbreaking. I mean we're already living in a world where we can't even trust what we eat without some study coming out and telling us that something is bad for us 
I'm kinda glad they're being careful with those turkey hunting vibes... think about all the people who wouldn't wanna risk eating something contaminated like that 
so yeah, let's hope we can find ways to reduce our exposure to forever chemicals and get back to enjoying nature in all its forms 
The thought of eating birds contaminated with "forever chemicals" is just gross. I'm all for conservation efforts, but can't we find alternative ways to educate hunters about the risks? 
because of forever chemicals! Like, can you believe it? We thought eating wild turkey was a no-brainer, but I guess we're wrong now 
. These chemicals are super bad for us and the environment, so I'm all for taking precautions.
. And New Mexico just warned hunters about a lake in the south of the state with high levels of Pfas contamination 
.
I'm getting so frustrated with all this PFAS stuff 
I'm all for getting rid of 'em, but it feels like we gotta be super careful about everything now. Has anyone even tried cooking out Pfas or something? 
like how can we eat wild turkeys if they got forever chemicals in them?! 
! I mean, think about it, we're eating these birds thinking they're safe to consume but really they could be exposing us to super toxic chemicals 
. forever chemicals are literally the worst 
. our environment is already messed up as it is, no need to make it worse 
. Maybe instead of eating those wild turkeys, we could support sustainable farms that produce safe food? 
. Time is of the essence, folks! #ForeverChemicals #WildlifeSafety #SustainableFood