---
title: Study Finds ‘Forever Chemicals’ on Organic Farms—but No Clear Contamination Sources
date: 2026-04-03T05:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/study-finds-forever-chemicals-on-organic-farms-but-no-clear-contamination-sources"
section: Articles
---
# Study Finds ‘Forever Chemicals’ on Organic Farms—but No Clear Contamination Sources

*April 3, 2026* — by [Kimbra Cutlip](/author/kimbra-cutlip)


> Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Could Be Accumulating From Atmosphere and Rainwater to Exceed EPA Safety Standards

*Adobe Stock 228175413 1920x1080 — A new UMD study found that despite organic farming practices designed to avoid so-called "forever chemicals," the risky substances have still made their way onto organic farms in Maryland, possibly through rainwater. (Photo by Adobe Stock)*

University of Maryland researchers found so-called “forever chemicals” in groundwater and irrigation water at two organic farms in Maryland.

The study detected low concentrations of multiple per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, which do not break down in the environment, even though the farms used no biosolids such as manure and no pesticides that contained the chemicals. There were also no known industrial sources of PFAS in the surrounding areas.

The research, [published](https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14030245) last month in the journal *Toxics*, suggests that different types of PFAS compounds can accumulate from the atmosphere and rainwater until the combined effect exceeds U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety standards. The agency says PFAS exposure could contribute to cancer, decreased fertility, impaired immune function and other human harms.


*two students collect water samples on farm — UMD graduate assistant Fatemeh Ghezelsofla (left) and high school senior intern Tanvi Modugula collect water samples on an organic farm. (Photo by Edwin Remsberg)*




**Topics:** [Research](https://today.umd.edu/tags/research)


**Tags:** [Environmental Science and Technology](https://today.umd.edu/topic/environmental-science-and-technology), [Research](https://today.umd.edu/topic/research)


**Units:** [College of Agriculture and Natural Resources](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-agriculture-and-natural-resources)